TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida entered an agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which gives state agencies authority to help detain and deport undocumented migrants.

What You Need To Know

  • A new agreement will give state police authority to assist in enforcing immigration law

  • The agreements are part of Florida’s immigration crack down efforts

  • The agreement applies to multiple state agencies including FDLE and FWC

The agreement applies to multiple state agencies, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The agreement empowers state police to assist federal law enforcement and interrogate individuals suspected of illegal entry.

“You are going to see more effective interior enforcement when you have the state and local and the federal government on the same page,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis Wednesday inside the Florida Capitol.

The agreement is similar to an agreement DeSantis brokered between the Florida Highway Patrol and DHS. The agreements require state police to undergo training.

“We need the ability to go out there on our own in the course of our regular law enforcement duties and arrest and detain,” said newly appointed Florida Immigration Czar Larry Keefe.

Critics fear the agreements will burn Florida’s law enforcement community.

“Immigration is one of the most complicated federal laws in the country,” said Orlando Democratic State Rep. Anna Eskamani.

They also fear the agreements may endanger at-risk migrants who may fall victim to a crime.

“They’re going to be more hesitant to express that to law enforcement,” said Eskamani.