Florida Universities Partner with ICE for Immigration Enforcement Under DeSantis Order

Florida Universities' ICE Partnership

• 🎯 At least four public universities in Florida are participating or intend to participate in a new program with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
• 🤝 This initiative is part of an executive order by Governor Ron DeSantis, allowing campus police to assist with immigration enforcement.
• 🎓 The involved universities include the University of Florida, UCF, USF, and Florida Atlantic University, with agreements either active or in progress.

Campus Police Powers and Training

• 👮 Campus police departments are signing up for ICE training to gain the same powers to enforce immigration laws as local law enforcement.
• 📜 This authority is granted through the 287G agreement, enabling deputized officers to make immigration-related arrests.
• ⚠️ While the power to arrest exists, it's not immediate, as officers must complete the required training and gain approval.

Statewide Enforcement and Legislation

• 🚔 The Florida Highway Patrol has also sworn in the nation's first ICE task force officer, with over 1400 state troopers trained for deputization.
• 🏛️ Governor DeSantis has proposed legislation to compel any public universities that have not yet joined the program to do so.
• ❓ Universities like Florida State, Florida International University, and the University of Miami have not yet confirmed their participation status to NewsNation.