Florida Leads Nation in Controversial ICE Agreements: What You Need to Know

Madison, Florida, USA - In early June 2025, the landscape of immigration enforcement dramatically shifted in Florida, a state now at the forefront of a contentious partnership between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As reported by NW Florida Daily News, there are currently 629 agreements allowing local police to collaborate directly with ICE. This figure represents a staggering 43% of the total nationwide agreements under the 287(g) program, a system initially created to enhance federal-state cooperation on immigration issues.

Florida’s dominance in this program is underscored by the fact that 292 agencies within the state have opted to partner with ICE. This partnership is more than just a political statement; it has real implications on the ground. Notably, ICE’s „Operation Tidal Wave,“ which took place in late April, culminated in the largest joint immigration operation in Florida history, leading to the arrests of 1,120 individuals. The Nevada Independent emphasizes that participation in these 287(g) agreements is voluntary, although political pressure has made it harder for agencies to decline.

Understanding the 287(g) Program

The 287(g) program allows local law enforcement to carry out various functions typically reserved for federal immigration officers. There are three primary models through which local agencies operate under this program: the Jail Enforcement Model, the Task Force Model, and the Warrant Service Officer Program. In the Jail Enforcement Model, officers identify removable aliens while dealing with individuals involved in criminal proceedings. The Task Force Model allows officers to enforce immigration laws during routine police duties, while the Warrant Service Officer Program trains officers to serve immigration warrants.

In light of President Trump’s push to expand these operations, especially in areas led by Democrats, Florida finds itself under intense scrutiny. Critics raise concerns that increased local involvement in immigration enforcement could lead to racial profiling and a decline in trust between communities and law enforcement. Indeed, since Trump’s second term began, the number of local police departments engaging with the 287(g) program has surged, with 315 departments having joined, as highlighted by ProPublica.

Political and Legal Considerations

The legal framework surrounding the 287(g) program is complex. While the Congressional Research Service states that participation is voluntary, many state directives mandate local police involvement, raising constitutional concerns. Legal precedents suggest that coersion by state governments into enforcing federal immigration law could violate the 10th Amendment, leading to contested legal battles, as noted by The Nevada Independent.

In Florida, where 277 active agreements exist, this political climate places local departments in a perplexing position. On one hand, they are bolstered by state directives; on the other, they risk civil rights violations and internal community distrust. Recent operations, such as those in Nashville, have ignited debates around the impact of these policies, particularly when arrests disproportionately affect Latino neighborhoods. Local leaders, including Nashville’s mayor, have voiced strong opposition, emphasizing that the focus often strays from violent offenders to individuals without significant criminal backgrounds.

In conclusion, Florida’s robust participation in the 287(g) program reflects a broader trend where local law enforcement is increasingly enlisted in federal immigration enforcement efforts. Whether this trend strengthens or undermines community trust remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: there’s plenty to discuss as we move forward in this evolving landscape.