Winter Haven, Fla. (February 24, 2025) – The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) is pleased to announce that every county jail throughout the state has signed a written agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to ensure compliance with 287(g) program requirements. This milestone underscores Florida’s commitment to public safety and the rule of law, positioning local law enforcement to play a key role in addressing illegal immigration at the community level.
As part of this effort, every county is working with ICE to ensure there are ICE deputized sheriffs’ deputies and correctional officers in all 67 county jails. This process includes a required background screening along with dedicated and specific training. This will allow deputies and officers to begin serving warrants.
The State Immigration Enforcement Council that was recently formed last week includes four sheriffs. This Council has been formed to coordinate with the State Board of Immigration Enforcement and provide guidance and strategic support to local law enforcement agencies. The Council will also collaborate with ICE on training opportunities, 287(g) program participation, and recommendations for expanding detention capacity to house criminal aliens awaiting deportation. These four sheriffs are on the Council: FSA President and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
Hear from each of the Sheriffs serving on the Council:
FSA President and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell:
“Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed just how crucial strength in numbers and strong cooperation among law enforcement can be in keeping our communities safe. I’m proud to stand here with my fellow sheriffs to announce that every county jail in our state has partnered with ICE to fulfill the requirements of the 287(g) program. As a member of the State Immigration Enforcement Council, I’m honored to work alongside these law enforcement leaders to ensure that Florida’s immigration laws are upheld and that our streets remain protected.”
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters:
“Illegal immigration has wide-ranging consequences, including a troubling surge of dangerous drugs into our state. In 2024, our officers in Jacksonville seized over 20 kilograms of fentanyl—enough to affect nearly 10 million people—and responded to 1,631 fentanyl-related deaths over the past four years. We remain committed to partnering with President Trump’s administration and our federal counterparts to secure our borders, protect Floridians, and establish a framework for the rest of the nation to follow.”
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri:
“By training both new and experienced deputies and correctional officers to uphold federal immigration laws, as well as expanding our detention capacity, we will be able to enhance the safety of our communities. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we have seen that ICE has a renewed commitment to immigration enforcement, and we stand ready to assist. Having law enforcement at the table to be part of these critical discussions is valuable when it comes to implementing Senate Bill 2C effectively, and fortunately, we live in a state where that is recognized.”
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd:
“The State Immigration Enforcement Council will bring together local law enforcement and ensure that we’re prepared to work hand-in-hand with federal partners in one of the nation’s most significant efforts to address illegal immigration. By uniting our voices and sharing our resources, Florida continues to lead from the front in safeguarding our communities and prioritizing public safety.”
On February 13, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 2C into law, providing significant resources that empower local agencies to support the federal government in arresting, detaining, and beginning the deportation process for criminal illegal aliens. Through the work of the State Immigration Enforcement Council, Florida law enforcement stands ready to use these new tools to bolster public safety, ensure a more secure border, and uphold Florida’s commitment to law and order.
