TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Florida Highway Safety and Automobile Division has received $13.6 million in federal funds to expand immigration enforcement.
The funds come from the US Department of Homeland Security and are to support partnerships with US immigration and customs enforcement agencies under the 287(g) task force model.
“Florida law enforcement officials are on the forefront of protecting our state from the consequences of illegal immigration,” Executive Director Dave Kerner said. “This investment will allow us to expand our capabilities, enforce the law alongside ICE and protect our communities.”
According to FLHSMV, the funds will strengthen Florida’s commitment to law and order by expanding the operational capacity of state and local law enforcement agencies engaged in immigration enforcement.
The 287(g) program provides Florida Highway Patrol troopers with the authority to identify, process and detail individuals who violate immigration law, the FLHSMV said.
More than 4,900 individuals in the US have been illegally arrested by FHP since March, including almost 900 people with criminal history.
Through the task force model, FLHSMV receives:
$7,500 per federally trained task force officer purchases $100,000 of critical equipment per operational agreement to acquire new vehicles supporting immigration enforcement missions.
The announcement coincided with Florida’s second immigration enforcement work last week. This was led by FHP in collaboration with county, state and federal partners.
