Palm Beach County, Florida
“Are you legally here?” It’s a common question federal agents pose when checking the legal status of immigrants. However, under the Trump administration, Florida’s police and sheriff’s offices are increasingly asking this question too.
The integration of Florida law enforcement with the US Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) happens through the 287(g) program. This program grants local officials specific powers usually reserved for ICE agents, allowing them to arrest undocumented immigrants without needing direct federal assistance.
On Wednesday, Blaze Media reported that the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), as part of the state’s largest law enforcement agency, is aiding the Trump administration in large-scale deportation efforts. Even while performing their regular patrol duties, FHP officers often encounter undocumented immigrants during routine traffic stops.
The reasons for these stops vary, from drivers not wearing seat belts to insecure loads in trucks.
During one stop involving a work truck, the sergeant observed that neither the driver nor a passenger were wearing seat belts. A third passenger, originally from Venezuela, had his asylum claims deemed invalid and was taken into custody. The driver had a green card, while the other two without seat belts were US citizens.
In a different stop, another driver was found to be in the country illegally and without a license. While in the FHP squad car, he jokingly mentioned being sent to Wani Alcatraz, a state-run facility for undocumented immigrants located in the Everglades.
The FHP reported detaining 11 undocumented immigrants, transporting them to the Border Patrol for processing. Some of these immigrants had been in the US for only a few years, while others had lived there for over two decades.
Florida stands out nationally with the number of its police agencies participating in the 287(g) program. The state is committed to assisting in enforcing federal immigration policies across all government levels.
