By GARETT VALCOURT
Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia joined sheriffs and police chiefs from across the Florida Panhandle on Monday to publicly back local law enforcement agencies involved in the state’s expanded immigration enforcement efforts.
During the event, Ingoglia emphasized the role local law enforcement plays in public safety as Florida continues its immigration crackdown. He credited sheriffs and police chiefs with serving as a key deterrent to illegal activity, noting their frontline responsibility in protecting families and communities.
As part of the initiative, each participating agency received a state-funded reimbursement check to offset costs associated with additional duties and services tied to immigration enforcement. The funding supports participation in the federal 287(g) program, which authorizes specially trained local deputies and officers to perform limited immigration enforcement functions in coordination with federal authorities.
Among the agencies receiving funding were the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, which was awarded approximately $686,000, and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, which received about $649,000. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office was allocated nearly $630,000, while the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office received just under $25,000. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office was awarded $15,000.
Several municipal police departments also received reimbursement funding, including the Blountstown Police Department, which received $26,000, and the Marianna Police Department, which was awarded $30,000.
Local law enforcement leaders voiced strong support for the program and the state’s direction on immigration enforcement. Kevin Crews, sheriff of Washington County, said local agencies were unified with state leadership on addressing the issue.
“Our arms didn’t have to be twisted,” Crews said. “We had direction from our state leaders and our governor on the path we were taking to address a problem our country didn’t create, but one that still has to be dealt with.”
State officials said the reimbursements are intended to ensure local agencies are not financially burdened while carrying out expanded enforcement responsibilities, while law enforcement leaders stressed their continued commitment to public safety across the region.
Staff Report 