Collaboration between Florida police and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE) has triggered a sharp increase in immigrant arrests in the state. The strategy, driven by the Donald Trump administration and backed by Governor Ron DeSantis, has generated concern among immigrant organizations and communities. In contrast to sanctuary cities in other states, Florida has adopted an active policy of cooperation with federal authorities. More than 300 local and state agencies participate in operations that result in detentions and deportations. The phenomenon has remained relatively under the national radar. However, data reveals a significant increase in arrests since the start of Trump’s second term.
How Does Police-ICE Cooperation Work in Florida?
The foundation of this collaboration consists of agreements known as 287(g). These allow local agencies to exercise immigration functions under federal supervision. In practice, police officers, sheriffs, and other entities can interrogate people about their immigration status. They also have the authority to detain them for eventual deportation. In Florida, the application of these agreements has expanded to diverse institutions. Not only police bodies participate, but also entities such as the National Guard and less conventional state agencies.
Why Have Immigrant Arrests Increased?
Data shows a notable increase. Between January 2025 and March 2026, approximately 39,000 immigrants were arrested in Florida. In the same prior period under the Joe Biden administration, just over 11,000 detentions were recorded. This means arrests have tripled. On average, Florida records 93 arrests daily. Only Texas exceeds that figure, due to its border location.
What Types of Operations Are Authorities Conducting?
Many arrests begin with routine traffic stops. According to immigration attorneys, agents use minor infractions as a pretext to detain people. Among the most common reasons are faulty taillights or tinted windows. Once detained, individuals are turned over to ICE. This type of practice has drawn criticism. Experts point out that it is a strategy to increase detention numbers.
What Cases Reflect the Impact of These Policies?
One case occurred in Bonita Springs. A Guatemalan man was detained after a check in a park under a charge that his family considers false. According to his wife, the officer alleged that a dog had bitten someone. However, she claims the officer never exited the vehicle. Following the arrest, the man was turned over to ICE. His family fears the impact on his asylum process and legal status.
What Happens to Families Affected by Detentions?
Another case involves a father and son detained in Fort Myers. Both were arrested following a traffic stop for an alleged irregularity in their vehicle registration. According to the family, the license plate was current. However, both were detained and deported to Guatemala in less than a week. The man’s wife remained in the United States with three children, one of them a U.S. citizen. The case illustrates the direct impact on migrant families.
What Do Federal Authorities Say About These Cases?
The Department of Homeland Security has defended the detentions. It assures that those involved had prior deportation orders or were in irregular status. In some cases, authorities claim that immigrants had failed to comply with legal procedures. This would justify their detention and removal. However, lack of access to official documents has raised doubts. Several agencies have refused to share arrest records and videos.
