New funding will equip Highway Patrol to ‘identify, process, and detain’ illegal aliens, citing nearly 5,000 apprehensions since March.
Florida’s efforts to ramp up immigration enforcement just got a major financial injection. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) announced last week that it has secured a whopping $13.6 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expand its partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The substantial investment, granted under the 287(g) Task Force Model (TFM), is set to significantly bolster the operational capacity of state and local law enforcement agencies, particularly the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
“Florida’s law enforcement officers are on the front lines of protecting our state from the consequences of illegal immigration,” said Executive Director Dave Kerner. “This investment allows us to expand our capabilities and continue working alongside ICE to enforce the law and safeguard our communities.”
The 287(g) program empowers FHP troopers with the authority to “identify, process, and detain individuals who violate federal immigration laws.” The results so far are staggering: since March, FHP reports apprehending over 4,900 illegal aliens, including nearly 900 with documented criminal histories. RELATED: Operation Surge: 400 ‘Criminal Aliens’ Arrested In Massive Florida Immigration Crackdown
Cash for Cops: Where the Millions Will Go
The $13.6 million influx is specifically earmarked to support law enforcement in the field:
- $7,500 per federally trained Task Force Officer for the purchase of essential equipment.
- $100,000 per operational agreement to acquire new vehicles, boosting mobility and response capabilities for immigration enforcement missions.
FLHSMV stresses the timing is critical, citing “rising threats and hostility” faced by officers on the front lines. The resources are intended to help protect officers and reinforce the state’s “unwavering commitment to public safety and the rule of law.”
Recent Sweep Highlights Intensified Efforts
The funding announcement coincided with Florida’s second major immigration enforcement operation last week, which saw the Florida Highway Patrol coordinate with a broad coalition of county, state, and federal agencies, including DHS, ICE, and U.S. Border Patrol.
The multi-agency sweep produced notable results, including:
- 2,020 traffic stops and 1,539 citations issued.
- 461 illegal aliens apprehended from 19 countries, including Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, and China.
- A total of 310 criminal charges, comprising 235 misdemeanors and 75 felonies.
The data further revealed that 45 of the apprehended illegal aliens had a prior criminal history, underscoring the state’s focus on enforcement as a matter of public safety.
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