The immigration official said that Velasquez had two previous contacts with ICE and had ignored his court date after crossing over. He was issued a final order for removal.

Matt Zetts, (R) from Border Patrol, uses his database to search the names of the two Colombians who were detained as a task force comprising federal law enforcement agencies working in tandem to apprehend illegal immigrants in St. Johns County, Florida on Monday, February 24, 2025. (Stephanie Keith for Fox News Digital)

The situation in St. Johns County offers a glimpse into how local authorities are partnering with federal officials, as the White House has pledged to curb illegal immigration.

Hardwick previously shared with Fox News Digital how, under his leadership, the county is prioritizing public safety by initiating the task force and closely collaborating with immigration authorities. The sheriff’s office has been operating a task force for over a year but has amplified operations following President Trump’s election.

St. Johns is part of the 287(g) program that allows ICE to delegate to state and local law enforcement officers certain immigration functions, including identifying and detaining suspected illegal immigrants.

He shared that on Fridays at 2 p.m., they meet with federal, state and local partners to discuss the worst of the worst criminal aliens wanted in Florida or in the immediate area.

“And a simple warning, that in the state of Florida, if you are wanted — whether you’re an illegal alien or you’re a citizen of the United States — we are going to hunt you down to find you and hold you accountable for your actions,” he said.

Fox News Digital has reached out to ICE and DHS for comment.