Broward Sheriff Declares: We Will Not Aid ICE Raids!

Broward County, Florida, USA - Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony is making headlines with his firm stance against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Speaking at a county commissioner meeting, Tony declared that his office will not participate in these controversial operations. “If you commit a crime in this country, or commit a crime in this county, I’m coming for you,” he stated, emphasizing that his focus remains on crime, not immigration enforcement, despite acknowledging the importance of immigration issues within the community. His remarks come at a time of heightened scrutiny over ICE actions and ongoing debates about immigration policy across the nation.

During a recent county budget hearing, Sheriff Tony responded to concerns voiced by a commissioner about immigration by reiterating that fighting crime takes precedence over immigration-related matters. His position sharply contrasts with the actions and policies championed by the Trump administration, particularly the reinstatement of the federal 287-G program aimed at aggressive immigration enforcement. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has also taken drastic measures, signing an anti-immigration bill into law, which is now facing legal challenges.

Broward’s Approach to Immigration

In the face of recent nationwide immigration raids, which have resulted in the detention of undocumented immigrants, Sheriff Tony has made it clear: he refuses to partake in operations that would target individuals merely due to their immigration status. He expressed particular concern over cases that could involve the arrest of children or the detention of individuals who are contributing positively to the community, stating, “No, we’re not playing in that cesspool. The patch on our sleeves says Broward County. We’re not ICE.”

This local perspective stands out against the backdrop of aggressive federal initiatives. For instance, Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, recently voiced his frustration with the low numbers of arrests, threatening punitive actions against ICE officials if they didn’t ramp up detentions to 3,000 migrants daily. This comes as ICE prepares to launch “Operation At Large,” a nationwide crackdown involving thousands of personnel from various federal law enforcement agencies and potentially 21,000 National Guard troops—a directive that raises concerns about the extent of federal enforcement activities in local communities.

Under the Trump administration, there is a notable reshaping of federal law enforcement priorities, with an increased focus on deportations and immigration enforcement that may affect the justice system for years to come. As ICE agents are reassigned from other duties to focus solely on immigration-related operations, local authorities like Sheriff Tony are positioning themselves against such federal overreach. This divergence not only speaks to local priorities but also highlights the varied responses to immigration enforcement across the country.

Ultimately, Sheriff Tony has made it clear that the Broward Sheriff’s Office will not become a tool for ICE as he remains committed to serving the community’s interests first and foremost. As the national discussion on immigration continues, it seems Broward is carving out its own path, one focused on community safety rather than federal enforcement actions.