Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia awards two million dollars to Florida law enforcement agencies to support immigration enforcement efforts

West Palm Beach, Florida – In a move aimed at bolstering local law enforcement’s efforts to address immigration-related crime, Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced today the award of $2 million in funding to local agencies across the state. The funds are intended to support law enforcement operations that assist federal authorities in locating, detaining, and deporting individuals in the country illegally who have been involved in criminal activity.

The recipients of the funding include three sheriff’s offices along Florida’s east coast: Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, and Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. The awards were disbursed through the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, a state body that provides resources to local agencies participating in immigration enforcement programs. Specifically, St. Lucie County received $998,605.39, Palm Beach County was awarded $994,373.50, and Indian River County received $93,344.45.

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“Florida is a law-and-order state, which means there is zero tolerance for criminal illegal aliens. Our law enforcement partners need the proper resources to assist our federal partners in the fight to secure our border and rectify the massive illegal immigration problem caused by the failed Biden administration. Under Governor DeSantis and President Trump, we are making incredible strides in the fight against illegal immigration, but we must keep our foot on the gas and continue our efforts across the state,” said CFO Blaise Ingoglia.

Local law enforcement leaders expressed strong support for the funding, emphasizing the impact it will have on public safety in their communities. Palm Beach County Chief Deputy Sheriff Robert Allen highlighted the importance of state support in maintaining community security. “CFO Ingoglia’s dedication to law enforcement is evident and through these funds from the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, we can continue our efforts to keep our communities safe from the dangers of illegal immigration,” Allen said.

Similarly, St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard R. Del Toro, Jr. stressed the importance of providing deputies with the resources they need to address what he described as a growing problem. “Our deputies need support more than ever to face the growing problem of illegal immigration. The money provided to us by CFO Ingoglia and the State Board of Immigration is a means to protect the citizens of St. Lucie County by arresting criminal aliens,” he said.

Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers also acknowledged the role of funding in enhancing the department’s capacity to assist federal agencies. “Law enforcement put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of Indian River residents and it is paramount that they are equipped with the training and resources necessary to assist ICE with anti-illegal immigration efforts. On behalf of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Department, I want to thank CFO Ingoglia and the State Board of Immigration Enforcement for going above and beyond to take care of our officers,” Flowers said.

The financial support is part of a broader framework in which the State Board of Immigration Enforcement provides reimbursement to local law enforcement agencies that participate in immigration enforcement under the 287(g) program. This program, established under the Immigration and Nationality Act, allows state and local officers who have received specialized training to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in identifying, detaining, and processing individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States. Officers participating in 287(g) programs are also eligible for bonuses under the state funding initiative.

As part of the Florida Cabinet, CFO Ingoglia serves on the State Board of Immigration Enforcement alongside Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney General James Uthmeier, and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. The board is tasked with overseeing programs designed to support local enforcement efforts, allocate funding, and ensure that law enforcement agencies are equipped to work in coordination with federal partners.

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The announcement comes amid heightened debate over immigration policy and enforcement across the United States. Florida’s approach, as outlined by state officials, emphasizes law-and-order principles and close collaboration between state, local, and federal authorities. By providing additional funding and resources to local sheriff’s offices, the state aims to increase public safety, ensure compliance with federal immigration laws, and provide officers with the tools necessary to respond to the challenges posed by illegal immigration.

With the release of these funds, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties will now be able to expand their enforcement operations, increase officer training, and enhance community outreach efforts related to immigration safety. State officials have stressed that the funding is a tangible demonstration of Florida’s commitment to law enforcement and the protection of residents across the state.

By combining targeted funding with structured training programs and federal partnerships, the State Board of Immigration Enforcement and CFO Blaise Ingoglia hope to create a more coordinated approach to immigration enforcement, ensuring that officers have both the authority and the resources needed to respond effectively to criminal activity and protect Floridian communities.