Blaise Ingoglia awards more than $24 million to Florida law enforcement for immigration enforcement

Tavares, Florida – Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia has announced more than $24 million in funding for law enforcement agencies across the state to support immigration enforcement efforts and strengthen local policing capabilities.

The funding was awarded during an event in Tavares and will provide financial support to eight police departments, sheriff’s offices, and local government agencies involved in immigration enforcement activities. State officials said the money will help agencies improve their ability to carry out their duties, provide additional resources for officers, and support partnerships with federal immigration authorities.

CFO Ingoglia said the funding reflects Florida’s continued focus on supporting law enforcement agencies and ensuring officers have the necessary tools to protect communities.

“While some other states shy away from backing law enforcement, we are all in. Florida is the most law enforcement friendly state in the nation because of our commitment to backing the blue and ensuring that we are providing law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to do their jobs effectively and keep our residents safe. Our work will continue, and I am thankful to stand alongside our law enforcement partners as they work tirelessly to protect our state.”

The awards are distributed through the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, which provides reimbursement to local agencies for immigration enforcement activities. Officials said the funding supports work carried out under federal partnerships that allow qualified state and local law enforcement officers to assist with certain immigration enforcement responsibilities.

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Under the 287(g) agreement established through the Immigration and Nationality Act, state and local law enforcement agencies can partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Officers who receive specialized training through the program may also receive bonuses for their participation.

Several local law enforcement leaders praised the funding, saying the additional resources will help their agencies continue their public safety efforts.

Lake County Sheriff Peyton C. Grinnell said the support will strengthen his department’s ability to work with state and federal partners.

“Illegal immigration has devastated our communities for years, but criminal illegal aliens no longer get a free pass to come to our country and cause harm. Thanks to the work of CFO Ingoglia, the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, and our federal partners, we can continue our mission in keeping our citizens safe by deporting these criminals out of our county.”

Osceola County Sheriff Chris Blackmon also expressed appreciation for the state’s assistance and highlighted the daily work performed by deputies.

“Our deputies are working around the clock to put criminals behind bars and stop crime in its tracks. I am incredibly thankful for the State Board of Immigration Enforcement working alongside us so that we can continue to do our jobs safely and efficiently.”

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Sumter County Sheriff Patrick Breeden said the award will help his office continue its law enforcement mission and improve community safety.

“CFO Ingoglia continues to show his support for Florida’s law enforcement by strengthening our capabilities to put criminals behind bars. The funding awarded today helps us ensure public safety and help remove criminal illegal aliens from our streets.”

Orange County Chief Deputy Carlos Torres also thanked state officials for supporting local agencies.

“Leaders like CFO Ingoglia know that the safety of our citizens is a top priority. Thank you for working with us to protect our communities.”

The largest portions of the funding were awarded to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Osceola County received $11,044,909.42, while Orange County received $10,881,072.40. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office was awarded $1,244,737.65.

Additional funding included $531,678 for the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, $223,878.98 for the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners, $59,800 for the Fruitland Park Police Department, $38,000 for the City of St. Cloud Police Department, and $16,471 for the Clermont Police Department.

As a member of the Florida Cabinet, CFO Ingoglia serves on the State Board of Immigration Enforcement along with Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney General James Uthmeier, and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.

State officials said the funding represents Florida’s ongoing effort to provide resources to law enforcement agencies involved in immigration enforcement and to support cooperation between local, state, and federal authorities.