Local police receive $430K for immigration training, enforcement

Tampa Police Department

The Tampa Police Department will receive just over $430,000 in federal funding to enhance its immigration enforcement program, allowing for the deputization of 18 additional officers and covering overtime for all police personnel deputized by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Board of Immigration Enforcement, consisting of Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet, approved over $4 million in reimbursements to 15 local police departments and sheriff’s offices on Tuesday.

This marks the second occasion the state has authorized reimbursement funds to local enforcement agencies. In late September, the board approved $14 million to more than 50 agencies.

Agencies collaborating with federal immigration authorities can obtain reimbursements for equipment, training, travel, software, and officer bonuses from the $250 million program established during a special immigration session that DeSantis advocated for shortly after President Donald Trump took office.

Approximately half of the $430,000 allocated to Tampa police will cover expenses for deputizing 18 new officers for immigration enforcement, including lodging and transportation for the training sessions planned for 2026. The remainder will support overtime for all deputized officers involved in immigration enforcement operations outside regular hours.

Among the 15 agencies that applied for funds, the Taylor County and St. Lucie County sheriff’s offices requested the largest amounts, nearly $1 million each.

Taylor sought over $600,000 to cover the expenses of providing 25 beds specifically for federal detainees. The remaining funds were needed for deputizing 15 new officers and covering detainee transportation costs.

Most of St. Lucie County's requests focused on equipment, such as license plate readers, portable fingerprint scanners, and DNA mouth swab kits. The county also sought new software to replace outdated systems.

In addition to approving funding requests, the state board appointed Anthony Coker, Florida’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement liaison, as the new executive director, succeeding Larry Keefe.