Florida officials have created and submitted a 37-page plan to the federal government that outlines one of the nation’s most aggressive policies to curb illegal immigration.
The document, called the Immigration Enforcement Operations Plan, details how a nation can implement large-scale deportation and whether it serves as an example for other states around the country.
Larry Keefe, executive director of the state Immigration Executive Committee, has another name in the Florida blueprint.
“We can do more,” Keefe said Monday in Tampa. “We’re getting more capacity and more capacity.”
The plan says that “is a roadmap for the key role that Florida can play in fighting illegal immigration during the current emergency and supporting the federal government as it moves into the future.”
Details of the plan were first reported Thursday by news service Gannett.
Some plan goals will enhance intelligence collection and analysis by leveraging existing state databases and inter-agency coordination. This includes providing resources for immigration and border security efforts at all levels.
Florida deploys representatives from numerous agencies, including the Department of Emergency Management, the Department of Amendment and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee, to support intelligence sharing operations.
The plan aims to develop a comprehensive strategy to maintain state-led border security operations in the absence of federal support.
According to the plan, Florida has around 47,000 law enforcement officers who have already received or have obtained, trained, accredited, trained and accredited to act as immigration officers under the 287(g) program.
At an event in Tampa Monday, Gov. Ron DeSantis said the 100 Florida Highway Patrol Troopers are sworn in as special Deputy U.S. Formers.
DeSantis said it could be an example of other states when Florida fights illegal immigration.
“If we look at all law enforcement agencies that have participated in a 287(g) agreement with the federal government nationwide, more than half of that are in one state.
The plan considers the training judge’s advocate general to be an immigrant judge through the Florida State Guard. It proposes suspending federal detention standards to avoid the risk of many people being freed due to limited detention space and to increase the state’s ability to arrest people.
The plan proposes more detention centers to build in parts of northeastern and south-central Florida, providing the capacity to accommodate up to 10,000 people. These temporary or long-term facilities, selected for access to nearby runways, can be “fully operated within 72 hours” using a network of around 12 private contractors who are already working with the state.
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The plan adds that Florida needs to prepare herself to move forward “independently of the Department of Homeland Security” and create a state-run immigration enforcement effort.
The plan outlines some of the costs associated with transporting immigrants. One option: Buy and change a 12-seater van for a cost of up to $124,000. Others include leasing a fleet of buses for around $1.5 million over two weeks, or leasing a van for around $780,000.
Florida State Guard or state law enforcement officers may be tapped to transport immigrants to detention facilities.
Blueprint reintroduces the idea of implementing a self-abolition program and creating several ways for the state government to cover the costs of those who choose to leave voluntarily. IT says the emergency management department may be able to help eligible individuals purchase commercial flights.
The plan said states should seek a refund of US immigration and customs enforcement for transport and removal efforts involving detainees. But it also admits that it may not be fully repaid.
“The federal government is very hesitant to commit to any form of refunds for past or future immigration operations,” the plan says. “Without federal aid, there may be a time when long-term immigration assistance missions are not financially acceptable.”
Tampa immigration lawyer Lisette Sanchez said Florida’s plans are wary not only from a constitutional and legal perspective, but also from a humanitarian and operational perspective.
Sanchez recognized the importance of addressing immigration challenges. But she said the Florida plan raises “serious concerns.”
“This approach appears to blur the line between state and federal authorities, and can lead to issues with constitutional disputes and legitimate processes,” Sanchez said.
