PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia presented reimbursement checks on Thursday to local law enforcement agencies as part of the state’s efforts to support immigration enforcement under the 287(g) program.
Joining Ingoglia at the news conference in Pasco County were Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Hernando County Sheriff Al Neinhuis, Hardee County Sheriff Vent Crawford, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco, Port Richey Police Chief Frank Ruggiero, and Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Maj. Ryan Brown.
The 287(g) program allows local law enforcement agencies to collaborate with federal immigration authorities to identify and remove illegal immigrants who commit crimes.
“Since I took office, our DFS (Florida Department of Financial Services) investigators have arrested 53 illegal aliens, of whom 11 had prior charges for sex crimes, 10 were charged sex offenders, one has been charged with the possession of child pornography, and one has been charged with kidnapping,” said Ingoglia.
The funding is part of a $250 million budget allocation signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last year to reimburse local agencies for immigration enforcement activities and provide bonuses to 287(g)-certified officers.
Ingoglia emphasized Florida’s commitment to partnering with federal authorities to address illegal immigration and its impact on communities.
The CFO also outlined Florida’s legislative measures aimed at reducing incentives for illegal immigration, such as banning sanctuary cities, stopping the issuance of driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, and mandating the use of E-Verify for businesses.