Laken Riley Act unleashes feds to hunt Venezuelan gang members in Florida: lawmaker
Share and Follow

A Florida sheriff said law enforcement is “waiting at go” to assist the Trump administration with immigration enforcement, but worries about the lack of detention capacity.

Fox News Digital spoke with Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd on the current status of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

“We heard President Trump loud and clear when he said start with the worst first, and let’s get these illegal aliens out of the country,” Judd said.

However, the sheriff pointed to a significant bottleneck: the lack of federal capacity to detain migrants, and that, despite arrests, “they’re turned [migrants] back into the street” due to ICE’s limited resources.

The need for additional detention space and resources came as the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) became the first in the nation to train and deploy troopers under the federal 287(g) agreement, which authorizes designated state officers to enforce immigration law in partnership with federal agents.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says the initiative is already delivering results and believes it could serve as a blueprint for other states seeking to take immigration enforcement into their own hands.

Judd called for federal executive action, saying, “The president is the only one that can break this logjam.”

The Sunshine State, he said, is prepared to execute practical solutions, such as setting up temporary “soft side housing” for detainees, modeled after hurricane emergency shelters. 

“We’re eager to make it happen. We’re sitting on go,” he said, while criticizing the lack of support. “The federal government doesn’t have the infrastructure to hold them, nor are they willing to pay when we offer the infrastructure.”

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd discussed how his department is assisting ICE with arresting and apprehending criminal migrants. (Fox News Digital)

Judd defended ICE personnel, acknowledging their efforts despite what he describes as inherited limitations from the previous Biden administration.

“But they are limited,” he said. “They’re severely limited because they’re operating with the resources that the Biden administration left them with. And the Biden administration wasn’t into deporting people. They were into importing people.”

The sheriff said stricter detention policies will serve as a deterrent for migrants.

“We’ve got to stop the game playing, and only the federal government can do it,” he said.

Fox News Digital has reached out to ICE for comment.

Fox News’ Danamarie McNicholl contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Shooting at packed South Carolina bar kills 4 and injures at least 20 others

Shooting at packed South Carolina bar kills 4 and injures at least 20 others

ST. HELENA ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — A mass shooting early Sunday at…
'Ball of fire': 2 dead after plane crashes into parked trucks in Texas

'Ball of fire': 2 dead after plane crashes into parked trucks in Texas

() Two people died after a small plane crashed into several parked semi-trucks…
Palestinians crowd onto aid trucks moving through Gaza

Palestinians crowd onto aid trucks moving through Gaza

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…
Trump to fly to Israel, meet hostages freed in Hamas deal

Trump to fly to Israel, meet hostages freed in Hamas deal

Trump is expected to arrive in Israel and personally welcome freed hostages…
Israelis gather to welcome home the last living hostages from Gaza

Israelis Unite to Celebrate the Return of Final Living Hostages from Gaza

In anticipation of a somber and hopeful moment, Israelis are bracing for…
Texas savagely trolls Oklahoma after winning Red River Rivalry game

Texas Playfully Taunts Oklahoma Following Victory in Red River Rivalry Showdown

Texas isn’t easily swayed by national rankings. After decisively defeating the No.…
'War is over' Trump declares on Air Force One as he heads to Israel for hostage release

Trump Announces ‘End of War’ En Route to Israel for Hostage Release Mission

On his journey to Israel aboard Air Force One Sunday night, President…
'National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk' is this week: What to know

'National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk' is this week: What to know

Video above: Crowds gather outside the September memorial service for Charlie Kirk.…