The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has begun enforcing federal immigration laws on state highways, as reported by Fox News in a recent exclusive. Governor Ron DeSantis expressed support for this initiative, calling it a model that other states could possibly follow. Florida is the first state to train troopers for this task under federal agreements, enabling state officers to collaborate with federal agents on immigration enforcement.
During a ride-along with Fox News, troopers conducted a traffic stop that led to a man fleeing the scene after questions about his legal status arose. He was eventually discovered hiding in a shed nearby and was preliminarily charged with illegal firearm possession and assaulting an officer, according to the US Border Patrol.
This new approach marks a significant shift from previous policies. Dave Kerner, executive director of highway safety in Florida, noted that Florida Highway Patrol officers frequently interact with individuals who may be undocumented but previously had limited powers to act. Now, Florida is the only state implementing training and operations under the 287(g) program. In one instance, a speeding van carrying 11 passengers was stopped, and all were identified as undocumented and taken into custody.
By dawn, officers had detained 30 individuals on a single highway in Hillsboro County. Kerner defended the FHP’s authority to make traffic stops despite some immigration advocates labeling it as racial profiling. He mentioned, “We have a legitimate basis for traffic stops,” emphasizing professionalism and transparency in their operations, complete with in-car cameras.
DeSantis remarked that the initiative is yielding results and serves as a potential framework for other states considering similar actions in immigration enforcement.
