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Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced more than $166,000 in funding to three local law enforcement agencies to support immigration enforcement efforts.
The funds were awarded to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Bradford County Sheriff’s Office and the Town of Cross City through the State Immigration Executive Board.
Ingoglia said the funding is intended to support local agencies working with federal immigration authorities.
“The Biden administration has not only allowed reckless illegal immigration to cross the border, it has intensified it,” Ingoglia said. “However, under President Trump and Governor DeSantis, we have cracked down on removing criminal illegal aliens from our streets. We are grateful for the dedication and tireless efforts of our law enforcement partners who have worked tirelessly to keep Floridians safe.”
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office received $69,117, the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office received $77,200 and the City of Cross City received $20,000.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said the funding will help his agents carry out immigration-related enforcement tasks more safely and effectively.
“Illegal immigration impacts every community across America,” Woods said. “The funding given to my office by the State Immigration Executive Committee will help keep our members safe by giving them the tools to do their jobs safely and efficiently.”
Cross City Police Chief Jamie King also praised the award, saying the funding will strengthen the department’s ability to deal with illegal immigration.
“The funding awarded by Chief Financial Officer Ingoglia will strengthen our law enforcement’s ability to protect our citizens from the negative impacts of illegal immigration,” King said. “Thank you for supporting us as we apprehend and deport criminal illegal aliens.”
Local law enforcement agencies can receive reimbursement for immigration enforcement activities through the State Immigration Enforcement Board. This funding is tied to enforcement partnerships under the federal 287(g) program, which allows state and local law enforcement agencies to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Ingoglia is a member of the Florida Cabinet and serves on the state’s Immigration Executive Committee. Other members include Gov. Ron DeSantis, Attorney General James Usmayer, and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
