Federal, state and local agencies conduct four-day enforcement effort under the 287(g) program
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — More than 300 people were arrested during a four-day immigration enforcement operation in Palm Beach County, according to the Florida State Board of Immigration Enforcement, which coordinated the effort with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Officials said 309 individuals were arrested for alleged immigration violations during operations conducted July 6–10under the federal 287(g) program, which allows participating state and local law enforcement agencies to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with certain immigration enforcement functions.
According to the state, more than 100 personnel from federal, state and county agencies participated in the operation. Agencies involved included ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Florida Highway Patrol’s Criminal Alien Apprehension Team, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. The Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard provided logistical and operational support.
SBIE Executive Director Anthony Coker called the operation an example of what he described as Florida’s model for implementing 287(g) agreements.
“The operation that just concluded in Palm Beach County demonstrates just how effective 287(g) agreements can be when federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies join together,” Coker said in a statement.
Federal and state officials also praised the multi-agency effort.
“Our nation and the State of Florida is safer when law enforcement partners work together to remove criminals from our local communities,” U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jeffrey Dinise said.
Operation included individuals with criminal histories
State officials highlighted several examples of those arrested, including individuals previously deported who authorities allege re-entered the United States illegally and others with prior criminal histories that include driving under the influence, burglary, battery, domestic violence, narcotics offenses, fraud, and hit-and-run.
Officials also said one individual arrested had been identified in federal databases as a Known or Suspected Terroristand was identified as a possible member of the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua. Authorities did not release additional details regarding that case.
The state did not disclose how many of the 309 people arrested had prior criminal convictions beyond the examples highlighted in the news release.
Part of a broader enforcement strategy
The operation reflects Florida’s expanded use of the federal 287(g) program, which has grown significantly under Gov. Ron DeSantis. Florida now has more participating law enforcement agencies than any other state, making it one of the nation’s most active jurisdictions in local-federal immigration enforcement partnerships.
Supporters of the program argue it strengthens public safety by helping identify and remove people who are in the country unlawfully, particularly those with criminal histories. Critics, including immigrant advocacy organizations and some civil rights groups, contend that 287(g) agreements can discourage victims and witnesses from cooperating with law enforcement and may strain trust between immigrant communities and police.
The arrests announced this week were administrative immigration arrests. Whether individual cases result in removal proceedings or additional criminal prosecution depends on the circumstances of each case and subsequent legal proceedings.
