Pearson’s Address and Role in DHS
Keith Pearson, the former sheriff of St. Lucie County, recently delivered a significant speech at Homestead Air Force Base. As the new Senior Counselor for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Pearson is focusing on bolstering immigration enforcement in Florida. This marks his inaugural speaking engagement in this capacity under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Implementation of the 287(g) Program
Pearson detailed initiatives to fortify state and local law enforcement through the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) 287(g) program. This initiative is pivotal in Trump’s strategy to deport undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds. Pearson highlighted the collaborative efforts necessary between federal, state, and local agencies to successfully identify and deport these individuals.
Under the 287(g) program, state and local officers gain expanded authority akin to ICE officers. “The success of this program under President Trump relies heavily on cooperative law enforcement to detain and expel those with serious criminal records,” Pearson stated.
Florida’s Participation in 287(g) Models
Pearson elaborated on the three models within the 287(g) program, specifying that Florida sheriffs have endorsed both the warrant service officer model and the task force model. The warrant service officer program allows for the training of state and local officials in executing administrative warrants. Meanwhile, the task force model involves routine immigration enforcement by state agencies such as the Florida Highway Patrol.
Goals and Responsibilities
Pearson noted that a primary goal of President Trump is the mass deportation of criminal aliens. Training programs are currently in place for thousands of Florida Highway Patrol troopers and county deputies, a task managed by individual county sheriffs.
Despite these expansions in enforcement roles, Pearson clarified, “Nothing changes with the law. It merely extends the authority to certain individuals.” He pointed out that a limited number of ICE agents necessitates this expansion of local enforcement.
Compliance and Controversies
The Florida Sheriffs Association confirmed this week that all county jails in Florida will comply with the 287(g) program’s stipulations.
During his tenure as sheriff, Pearson, appointed in December 2023 by then-Governor Ron DeSantis, faced controversies. These included ethics investigations related to recruitment politics, eventually dismissed, and scrutiny over social media interactions.
Now in Washington, D.C., Pearson collaborates with federal agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations and the Secret Service. He expressed pride in serving at an executive level within the Trump administration, emphasizing his “America first” commitment as both a former sheriff and now in his current role.
Port St Lucie Talks
