In light of stricter immigration enforcement policies from President Donald Trump’s administration, which have included a series of new executive orders, St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard Del Toro has announced a decisive escalation in local immigration law enforcement efforts.
Adoption of Federal Program 287(g)
To align local law enforcement with federal objectives, St. Lucie County is embracing the 287(g) federal program. This program grants local officers the authority to perform duties usually reserved for federal Homeland Security officials. Sheriff Del Toro highlighted the structural changes within his agency aimed at adopting a more assertive enforcement approach. “What you don’t enforce, you allow,” Del Toro remarked, emphasizing the importance of this shift.
The 287(g) program enables correctional deputies to place ICE detainers on inmates and introduces a warrant service officer program. This program specifically trains deputies to execute federal warrants on detained undocumented individuals. Currently, about 70 inmates in St. Lucie County have ICE holds. Sheriff Del Toro explained, “We’ve been working well with ICE, but this is now going to give us the ability to do those types of investigations as well.”
Creation of Special Investigations Division
A new special investigations division has been established within the sheriff’s office, consisting of six deputies dedicated to focusing intensively on immigration enforcement. This division will see extended capabilities once the 287(g) program training is completed, further enhancing local enforcement strength.
Expanded Jurisdiction for Marine Deputies
A significant aspect of the recent changes is the expanded jurisdiction for marine deputies. Previously limited to state waters, marine unit enforcement will now extend to federal waters following 287(g) certification. This expansion allows for more extensive patrolling of offshore waters, a move deemed crucial by Deputy Frerick Lablond, who noted increased patrols along the 21-mile coastline.
State and Local Support
Governor Ron DeSantis has committed nearly $300 million in state funding towards immigration enforcement within Florida. Sheriff Del Toro plans to utilize this support to upgrade aviation and marine units, reinforcing local initiatives to counter illegal immigration effectively.
Despite no reported attempted migrant landings last month, the heightened vigilance from law enforcement in St. Lucie County continues unabated. Del Toro expressed optimism about the evolving measures, stating, “I think the best is yet to come, results-wise.” Deputy Lablond echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the critical nature of their efforts to deter potential illegal activities along the coastline.
The efforts by the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office illustrate a comprehensive response to federal immigration policies, demonstrating a committed partnership between state and local authorities in addressing immigration challenges.
