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The law enforcement agencies in Volusia and Flagler counties received over 1.7 million dollars in state reimbursements for collaborating with immigration operations, according to the local media The Observer.
During a press conference in Daytona Beach, Florida's chief financial officer, Blaise Ingoglia, defended the measures as part of a strategy to “create deterrence” and curb irregular immigration in the state.
The largest amount of funds was allocated to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, which received over $725,000. According to officials, the money is used to train agents in support of ICE, acquire rapid identification technology linked to federal databases, and provide stipends to officers participating in immigration operations.
But beyond the numbers, what has raised concern is the tone of the message.
"Unlike what is seen in some cities and counties across the country, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office will always collaborate with our federal partners (…) If you come to Flagler County, commit a crime, you should expect to be arrested, and if you are here illegally, we will hand you over to ICE," stated Sheriff Rick Staly.
During the conference, Staly mentioned several recent cases to illustrate his stance, including that of a Cuban citizen sentenced in 2025 for sexual assault against a minor, who received a six-year prison sentence and will be deported after serving his sentence. He also cited the arrest of another Cuban accused of stealing nearly $4,000 worth of meat from a Publix supermarket last month.
Since February 2025, the Volusia Sheriff's Office has recorded approximately 220 encounters with individuals referred to ICE or Border Patrol for immigration detentions. Part of the funds received were allocated for the purchase of biometric identification equipment directly linked to federal databases.
Ingoglia also announced new legislative proposals to further harden the landscape. Among them, preventing individuals without legal status from obtaining commercial driver's licenses and suspending exams in languages other than English. He also indicated that they will seek to expand the state HALO law to prohibit citizens from filming federal agents from less than 25 feet away, under penalty of a misdemeanor.
In Florida, there is one of the largest Cuban communities in the United States. Many have pending asylum cases, expired paroles, I-220A supervision orders, or unresolved proceedings. Although authorities emphasize that the actions are aimed at those who commit crimes, the strengthening of local cooperation with ICE and the use of technology linked to federal databases heightens the fear of arrests that could lead to deportation processes.
The CFO was emphatic in stating that to curb irregular immigration, "we need to eliminate the magnets," arguing that state reimbursements ensure agencies have the resources to enforce immigration laws.
"Florida is not Minnesota," Ingoglia said while contrasting the situation with other states where there have been protests against federal operations.
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