TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd made National News this week after opposing immigration and customs enforcement as he attempted to recruit his agent.
ICE is under pressure from the Trump administration to hire 10,000 new agents, but some local law enforcement agencies aren’t happy with the way they are going for it.
Judd said Polk County representatives are currently receiving recruitment emails from ICE staff who offer $50,000 in signature bonuses and other benefits to join federal law enforcement.
NBC News reported that emails were primarily sent to officers participating in the 287(g) program where agencies represent local and state law enforcement agencies to support ICE. All 67 Florida counties have signed a 287(g) contract.
Judd said he is targeting officers trained to help immigrant enforcement.
“I mean, it’s biting the hand that’s feeding you,” Judd said in an interview with MSNBC. “And I’m mad.”
The sheriff blamed what he called a lack of professionalism, saying recruitment tactics undermined trust and respect between local and federal agencies at a time when cooperation between them is particularly important.
Judd said he spoke to others who were not the only sheriff who felt that way, but who were similarly blind by the movement.
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Guartieri was one of those sheriffs.
“ICE is actively seeking to recruit personnel using partnerships. We have expressed concern about ICE leadership,” PCSO said in a statement from NBC News.
Judd also targeted Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem.
“Christie Noem needs to do the right thing by riding her big girl’s pants. She needs to make sure she has an apology,” Judd said.
