In a striking display of financial support, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia recently distributed large checks to celebrate the state’s investment in local law enforcement. This funding, amounting to $250 million, was awarded to sheriffs participating in the federal 287(g) program. This initiative allows local officers to perform duties usually reserved for federal immigration authorities.
“Let’s start giving the money away,” Ingoglia announced at a recent press conference, emphasizing the vital role of sheriffs in maintaining community safety and aiding in the deportation of undocumented immigrants.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, for instance, received approximately $100,000, while other offices, such as those in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, were granted nearly $1 million and over $280,000, respectively. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was also a beneficiary, with nearly $50,000 allocated.
ICE’s Financial Commitments to Local Law Enforcement
The Department of Homeland Security is offering local agencies nationwide incentives amounting to $100,000 for new vehicles and additional funds for equipment. They have pledged to reimburse salaries and benefits of officers involved in the program, alongside performance-based bonuses.
According to a report by FWD.us, these financial commitments could reach $2 billion by 2026 if every agency receives the promised funding. Naureen Shah of the ACLU remarks, “We’ve never seen this financial incentive scheme exist in any way with this program, and Congress never intended for ICE to be swooping in to these local jurisdictions and offering them money in exchange to participate.”
The 287(g) program, described by ICE as a force multiplier, has expanded significantly. From 135 partnerships at the start of President Trump’s second term to over 1,700 today, the program has been “supercharged,” according to the administration.
The Allocation of Funds
States like Florida and Texas, with the most agreements under this program, have required sheriffs operating jails to participate, distributing tens of millions in grants. Florida’s local police plan to use the funds for resources like body armor and license plate readers, as shown in state records.
Although DHS described these partnerships as crucial for their immigration agenda, specifics on total funding remain undisclosed. However, ICE announced nearly $40 million allocated to Florida agencies for vehicles and equipment.
Felicity Rose from FWD.us expressed concern over the lack of transparency, noting, “It’s very, very concerning that there’s so little transparency in this money.”
Law Enforcement’s Perspective
NPR’s inquiries to police departments revealed mixed responses, with many declining to comment. However, in Texas, Smith County Sheriff’s Office disclosed receiving over $340,000 for equipment and a vehicle. Florida’s Fort Walton Beach police chief, Robert Bage, mentioned acquiring $150,000 for a vehicle and equipment.
Bage stated, “In Florida, we’re required to cooperate with immigration officials. So if we can leverage our cooperation and get a greater benefit out of it, we are going to take the greater benefit from leveraging our cooperation.”
Santa Rosa County’s Chief Deputy Randy Tifft confirmed funding for a vehicle and equipment, including a fingerprint scanner and translation tools. Sheriff Billy Woods of Marion County emphasized the fiscal responsibility of using federal funds instead of local taxpayer money.
Despite assurances from law enforcement, immigrant advocates express concern over potential abuses, citing past instances of racial profiling leading to the discontinuation of some 287(g) elements in 2012.
Jaclyn Diaz contributed reporting.
Copyright 2026 NPR
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