Commissioner Wilton Simpson announces all FDACS agricultural law enforcement officers certified under 287(g) program

Tallahassee, Florida – In a significant move to strengthen public safety and enhance law enforcement capabilities across the state, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced today that all sworn officers of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) have officially been certified under the federal 287(g) program. This new certification marks a critical milestone in the department’s ongoing efforts to protect Floridians and uphold the law.

“The state of Florida is serious about law and order, and this certification is another step forward,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. He further emphasized, “As a member of the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, I’ve pushed for stronger coordination with our federal partners — and now our officers are even better equipped to take action when they encounter individuals breaking the law.” The announcement underscores the state’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of local law enforcement in addressing criminal activities, including violations of immigration laws.

The 287(g) program, managed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), authorizes local and state law enforcement officers to engage in specific immigration enforcement activities. Under this program, Agricultural Law Enforcement officers have received specialized training, allowing them to identify, process, and detain individuals suspected of violating federal immigration laws. This enhanced training equips officers with the authority to take action during their regular duties, expanding their ability to respond effectively to a wide range of incidents.

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Colonel Lee Adams, head of the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement, expressed his confidence in the program’s impact. “Florida’s law enforcement community is stronger and more connected than ever,” said Adams. “This certification ensures our officers have the training, resources, and authority they need to act swiftly and in coordination with federal partners.” This certification is not only an advancement in the state’s ability to enforce the law but also serves to reinforce the importance of cooperation between local, state, and federal agencies.

OALE plays a crucial role in safeguarding Florida’s agriculture and maintaining public safety. With more than 20 agricultural interdiction stations statewide, the department’s officers are at the forefront of criminal interdiction, inspecting vehicles, preventing the spread of agricultural pests, and protecting the state’s food supply. The department’s commitment to public safety is evident, as OALE conducts 24/7 vehicle inspections year-round, ensuring that Florida’s agricultural industry remains safe from harmful diseases and pests that could threaten crops and livestock.

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Additionally, OALE officers are tasked with investigating various forms of crime related to transportation, consumer protection, fraud, and public safety. Their work extends beyond agricultural security, contributing significantly to the integrity of Florida’s economy and consumer welfare. With the new 287(g) certification, these officers are now even better positioned to handle a broad spectrum of law enforcement challenges.

The decision to enhance the department’s capabilities through the 287(g) program is seen as an important step in ensuring that the state’s law enforcement agencies are equipped with the tools they need to handle a variety of threats to public safety. As the state continues to evolve and face new challenges, this collaboration with federal authorities positions Florida to maintain its leadership in public safety and law enforcement.

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and its mission to protect the state, visit FDACS.gov.