Polk County’s Top Cop Takes Aim at Washington for Poaching Deputies, Calling Tactics a Betrayal of Partnership
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd expressed his frustration with the federal government’s unconventional recruitment methods for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
While acknowledging the need for more ICE agents, Sheriff Judd took issue with what he described as “low rent and unprofessional” tactics employed by Washington-based officials.
Judd clarified that he has no problem with ICE recruiting deputies through traditional means such as television ads or billboards.
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His frustration, he stated, stems from a specific incident where federal decision-makers used data from government forms submitted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for training purposes. This data was then used to directly email deputies with recruitment offers, including hiring bonuses and other incentives.
“That was low rent and unprofessional. I said it then, and I say it now,” Judd remarked.
The Sheriff placed the blame for this behavior on the Washington-based officials, singling out the head of the department, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, stating, “Kristi Noem needs to get a grip on that.”
He emphasized the strong working relationship between his office and local ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) supervisors, including Field Office Director Garrett Ripper and Chief Denisi. Judd noted that these local leaders were unaware of the recruitment tactics and apologized profusely after being informed.
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Despite this friction, Judd reaffirmed his agency’s commitment to assisting ICE.
“We are her (Noem) best Ally. We are her Force multiplier,” he said, highlighting the collaborative relationship on the ground. He explained that his office is “mission-oriented to do what’s right” and will continue to work with ICE to ensure public safety, particularly by identifying and turning over dangerous criminals.
Judd also mentioned Governor DeSantis’s directive for Florida’s agencies to assist ICE. He concluded by reiterating his department’s willingness to help, expressing that they are “eager to keep people safe, starting with the worst first.”
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