The bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance immigration enforcement by requiring state and county law enforcement agencies, as well as any agency with more than 25 sworn officers, to enter into written agreements with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to participate in federal immigration programs. Agencies must participate in all applicable program models and report their compliance quarterly to the State Immigration Enforcement Officer. Additionally, the bill mandates that at least 10% of sworn officers in these agencies be available to perform immigration officer duties. It also allows for waivers from these requirements under certain circumstances and provides for the suspension of agency heads by the Governor for noncompliance.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Unauthorized Alien Transport Program within the Division of Emergency Management, which will be overseen by the State Immigration Enforcement Officer. This program aims to facilitate immigration enforcement activities, including detention and deportation, and will receive a significant appropriation of $350 million from the General Revenue Fund for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The bill also repeals a previous law related to the Unauthorized Alien Transport Program and includes provisions for the adoption of rules to implement the new program.

Statutes affected:
S 14A Filed: 908.11