Florida’s Role in Immigration Crackdown under Trump’s Second Term

In late March, a Florida Fish and Wildlife officer confronted a Guatemalan couple walking their dog in a Bonita Springs park. The wife claimed the officer requested the husband’s ID and directed them to the park exit. Once in the parking lot, the officer allegedly arrested the husband on a false charge, claiming the dog bit him despite never leaving his car. After making calls, he detained the husband for 40 minutes until Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrived.

This incident is part of a broader immigration crackdown in Republican-led Florida. The state’s participation in Trump’s immigration policies contrasts with resistance seen in Democratic-led sanctuary cities. In Florida, over 347 state and local agencies, including unexpected ones like the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Florida Lottery, have engaged in this crackdown. The public supports these measures while officials reject requests for arrest records at the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) behest.

Arrests Surge in Florida

Between January 20, 2025, and March 11, 2026, almost 39,000 immigrants were arrested in Florida, analyzed by the University of California, Berkeley’s Deportation Data Project. In the previous period during Biden’s administration, there were 11,088 arrests. During Trump’s second term, Florida averaged 93 daily arrests, second only to Texas. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis champions ICE collaboration through 287(g) agreements, granting immigration enforcement powers to state and local agencies.

According to immigration attorney Vilerka Bilbao, officers often arrest individuals on pretextual grounds, leading them into ICE custody to meet targets set by DeSantis and the federal government.

Case of a Father and Son

On February 15, Lee County deputies detained a Guatemalan father and son. They claimed the vehicle had expired tags, though they were valid until March 25, according to their wife and mother. The two were deported a week later despite pending immigration cases. The father had missed an immigration hearing due to financial constraints.

DHS contested the family’s legality, stating the two crossed the border illegally in 2017 and had a removal order from 2019. In the earlier case of the man with the dog, DHS cited two final removal orders for his arrest.

Florida’s Sunshine Law Tested

The Fish and Wildlife Commission and Lee County Sheriff’s Office refused to share arrest reports, directing inquiries to ICE. ICE and DHS declined to disclose these, citing law enforcement sensitive intelligence. An ICE directive to 287(g) partners in Florida maintains ICE control over such information.

This directive conflicts with Florida’s Sunshine Law from 1967, which presumes public access to records. Recent legislative exclusions have softened this stand.

Broader National Impact

Florida leads in immigration enforcement, establishing detention centers like “Alligator Alcatraz.” Nationwide, participation in 287(g) agreements increased from 135 before Trump’s second term to over 1,700 across 41 states and territories. DHS offers financial incentives, including salary reimbursement and equipment support, to participating agencies. For each officer involved, DHS offers up to $7,500 for equipment and up to $100,000 for new vehicles.