On March 12, 2026, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced the awarding of nearly $1.4 million in funding for immigration enforcement to various Florida law enforcement agencies. This initiative underscores Florida’s commitment to combat illegal immigration and support local law enforcement in their efforts to maintain public safety. The funding was distributed among several sheriff’s offices, with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office receiving the largest share of $963,307.85, followed by Santa Rosa County ($283,849.73), Okaloosa County ($103,825), and Franklin County ($48,460.48).
Ingoglia emphasized Florida’s leadership in anti-illegal immigration efforts and expressed gratitude towards law enforcement for their dedication. Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden noted that this funding will enhance their ability to arrest and detain criminal illegal aliens. Meanwhile, Franklin County Sheriff AJ Tony Smith highlighted the partnership with ICE under the 287(g) agreement as essential for community protection. Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson also expressed appreciation for the funding, stating it aids deputies in safely performing their duties. Escambia County Sheriff Chip W. Simmons remarked on the ongoing illegal immigration crisis and commended the efforts made to address it.
Collaboration Under the 287(g) Program
The funding comes as part of a broader strategy to strengthen collaboration between state and local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Under the 287(g) agreement, officers are empowered to act as immigration agents, allowing them to identify, process, and detain individuals violating federal immigration laws. This partnership is crucial in addressing the ongoing challenges posed by illegal immigration in Florida.
In addition to the nearly $1.4 million awarded by Ingoglia, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) secured $13.6 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to further enhance immigration enforcement capabilities. This funding supports the 287(g) Task Force Model, which has already seen over 4,900 illegal aliens apprehended since March, including nearly 900 with criminal histories. The FLHSMV funding includes $7,500 per federally trained Task Force Officer for essential equipment and $100,000 per operational agreement for new vehicles.
Recent Operations and Community Impact
The announcement of this funding coincided with Florida’s second immigration enforcement operation, which involved 2,020 traffic stops and resulted in the issuance of 1,539 citations. During this operation, 461 illegal aliens were apprehended, along with 235 misdemeanor and 75 felony charges filed. Notably, the apprehended individuals represented a diverse array of countries, including Guatemala, El Salvador, China, and Mexico, highlighting the global nature of the immigration issue.
Florida has taken significant steps in recent years to enhance immigration enforcement, with local law enforcement agencies arresting thousands of immigrants to assist the federal government. A $250 million fund was established to support local law enforcement involved in immigration efforts, including bonuses for personnel acting as immigration agents. Although substantial funding has been approved, some agencies are still awaiting reimbursements for overtime and bonuses related to immigration enforcement activities.
As Florida continues to navigate the complexities of immigration enforcement, the collaboration between state, local, and federal agencies remains vital. CFO Ingoglia, a member of the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, emphasizes the importance of these partnerships in creating a safe and secure environment for all Floridians. For more information on this funding initiative and its impact, visit the official announcement here.
To learn more about Florida’s federal funding for immigration enforcement expansion, you can check out the full details here.
For further context about Florida’s immigration enforcement efforts, including reimbursements and local agency funding, you can find more information here.