Northeast Florida Secures $1.8 Million Boost for Enhanced Immigration Enforcement

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Sheriff’s offices in Jacksonville, St. Johns, Clay, Bradford, and Putnam County received financial support on Tuesday aimed at enhancing their capabilities to enforce immigration laws.

Blaise Ingoglia, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, journeyed to St. Johns County to allocate these resources.

“I’m pleased to announce the distribution of over $1.8 million to bolster our sheriff’s offices in their collaboration with ICE on illegal immigration enforcement,” stated Ingoglia.

The funding, sourced from the state’s immigration enforcement board, serves as reimbursement for the 287(g) program, which fosters a cooperative relationship between ICE and local law enforcement.

“Every sheriff up here can attest that the cost of illegal immigration is far too high,” Ingoglia said.

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office received $1 million, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office received $606,000, Putnam received $108,000, Jacksonville $94,000, and Bradford $25,000.

St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick said the money will go towards increased technology and bonuses to staff.

“The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office in the very near future will have 104 designated immigration officers,” Hardwick said. “I think we set the tone that we’re going to do it better than everybody else across the United States of America.”

Meanwhile, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said JSO processed 545 people living in the U.S. illegally for deportation this year alone through the 287(g) program.

“In Jacksonville, our mission has always been simple: To keep our communities safe,” Waters said.

Clay County received the second highest amount of funding Tuesday. Sheriff Michelle Cook said the money will be key in helping with the statewide effort.

“I stand before you to say Florida has discovered the recipe for law-and-order success,” Cook said.

First Coast News asked Ingoglia when this reimbursement was decided. He said, “On day one.”