The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is now enforcing federal immigration laws on state roads, while Fox News has gained exclusive views in its groundbreaking work.
Gov. Ron DeSantis praised the initiative as a role model for the rest of the country, saying Florida is building a system that can be replicated nationwide. The state has become the first to train and deploy soldiers under the Federal 287 (G) Agreement, which authorizes designated state officials to work with federal agents to enforce immigration laws.
Florida Highway Patrol officers were arrested as Fox News's Dana McNicholl rode. (St. Augustine Police Department)
While riding with Fox News recently, soldiers started a traffic stop as violations escalated rapidly. A man fled the scene after questioning his legal status.
Later it was discovered that the suspect was hiding in a nearby shed. According to the U.S. Border Patrol, he was convicted in advance for illegal possession of firearms and assaulting officers.
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This new law enforcement agency is a huge shift in the limitations of the past.
Florida Highway Patrol personnel have been authorized to cooperate with federal agents to enforce federal immigration laws. (St. Augustine Police Department)
"The Florida Highway Patrol interacts with people most likely to be illegal here every day," said Dave Kerner, executive director of Florida security. "But there is nothing we can do as state law enforcement."
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Now, this has changed. FHP is currently the only national institution in the United States that conducts training and operations under the 287(g) agreement. During a stop one morning, soldiers drove past a van and trailer to speed. After investigation, all 11 passengers were determined to be unlicensed and detained on the spot.
Florida is the first state to train and deploy soldiers under the Federal 287 (G) agreement that authorizes designated state officials to work with federal agents to enforce immigration laws. (St. Augustine Police Department)
Through the sunrise, officers detained 30 people, all on a highway in Hillsborough County.
Kerner responded to immigration advocates calling the deal a race profile, saying FHP has legal grounds to stop traffic.
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“Some people will disagree with what we are doing, but we are carrying out a mission before us. We have the legal obligation and authority to investigate the status of people in the United States due to the delegation of powers. We are professional. We do this, transparent. Our vehicles have cameras. ” Kner said.
DeSantis said the initiative has achieved results and believes it can serve as a blueprint for other states seeking to take immigration enforcement into their own hands.