Florida sheriff says ICE partnership only the beginning in illegal migrant crackdown

A Florida sheriff said leveraging relationships with federal immigration enforcement officials is the “tip of the spear” to fight criminal migrants.

St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick told Fox News Digital his department has a duty to partner with federal officials. 

St. Johns County is taking part in the 287(g) program. This initiative allows U.S. Immigration and Customs Protection (ICE) to authorize state and local law enforcement officers to carry out specific immigration tasks. These tasks include identifying and detaining individuals suspected of residing in the country illegally.

The deputy sheriffs in the area have been collaborating with various federal agencies such as ICE, Customs and Border Patrol, and ERO on operations along Interstate 95. They are not only focusing on immigration enforcement but also on combatting human trafficking, sex trafficking, illegal firearms, drugs, and other illicit activities.

Sheriff Hardwick mentioned the challenges faced in identifying individuals involved in illegal activities. Some organizations create fraudulent Social Security numbers and driver’s licenses that appear legitimate, making it harder to detect offenders.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, along with other federal law enforcement agencies, attend a pre-enforcement meeting

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, along with other federal law enforcement agencies, attend a meeting in Chicago Jan. 26, 2025.  (Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Part of the county’s multipronged approach is using technology to notify law enforcement of who is arriving in its jurisdiction.

“We have really been working Interstate 95 hard because we know there’s a lot of interdiction out there that is being overlooked. We have a brand-new tool and technique here in Saint Johns County. We just fired up just recently,” he said. “We have license plate readers on our north and south border and, as you enter, your car tags are run.

“As of yesterday, we’re averaging between 17 and 22 hits, meaning those could be stolen cars, wanted persons or deportation orders where someone’s wanted on the criminal alien list. So, I think we’re just doing things just a little bit different here in St. Johns County and leading from the front, leading by example.”

Donald Trump

President Donald Trump speaks about the economy during an event at the Circa Resort and Casino in Las Vegas Jan. 25, 2025.  (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Referencing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ newly signed legislation that passed sweeping immigration laws in Florida, Hardwick said his office is waiting for additional guidance on immigration enforcement.

“We only have 1,500 beds in the state of Florida for deportation,” he said. “And Florida has over 23 million people living here. We just have to track the ones that have a warrant for their arrest, and we need to get them out of our country.”

He noted that President Donald Trump has been “crystal clear that immigration has been No. 1 on his list.”

“Let’s start preparing for if that happens and what it will look like,” he said.

“I think it’s important that we just do something a little bit different, and we don’t come in this job and sit as elected officials and do the status quo,” he added. “You have got to think outside the box.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House, ICE and Gov. DeSantis’ office for comment.

You May Also Like
Narciso Gallardo Fernandez, suspect in fatal Madera Walgreens shooting of Erick Velasquez, had 'grudge' against pharmacies: police

Police: Suspect in deadly Madera Walgreens shooting had a personal vendetta against pharmacies

MADERA, Calif. — A man walked into a Walgreens in California and…
California man to plead guilty to attempted assassination of Justice Kavanaugh

California Man Admits to Trying to Assassinate Justice Kavanaugh

The man accused of planning to murder Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh…
Bodycam in Connecticut house of horrors shows suspect after stepson's fiery escape

Footage from body camera in Connecticut reveals suspect following stepson’s escape from burning house.

Bodycam video from the Waterbury Police Department captures Kimberly Sullivan, the suspected…
American Airlines plane fills with smoke as it comes in to land forcing passengers to flee cabin

Passengers forced to evacuate as American Airlines plane fills with smoke during landing

An American Airlines plane filled with smoke shortly after it landed, forcing…
'Park bench Karens' accuse pregnant mom of disrespecting THEIR special spot in expletive-laden tirade

‘Women on Park Benches’ accuse pregnant mother of disrespecting THEIR spot in angry outburst

A pregnant mother was left humiliated when two ‘Karens’ mercilessly berated her,…
Tourist vanishes after leaving Utah airport to backpack in mountains

Tourist goes missing after leaving Utah airport to hike in mountains

Authorities in Utah are searching for a missing tourist visiting from Finland…
Number of Tesla attacks soars past 50 as violence targeting Musk's company escalates

Tesla has been the victim of more than 50 attacks as violence against Musk’s company intensifies

The number of reported assaults on Tesla cars, dealerships, and charging stations…
Netflix staff working on Meghan Markle's As Ever launch admit: 'We're already over it'

Netflix employees working on the launch of Meghan Markle’s As Ever series confess they are already feeling tired of it.

According to an insider speaking to MailOnline, employees at Netflix who are…
Wednesday Morning Minute: Happy Liberation Day!

A Quick Update on Wednesday Morning: Celebrating Liberation Day!

TOP O’ THE MORNIN’ Red-Hot at RedState  Emotions cannot effectively govern a…
White Lotus star Carrie Coon claps back at Meghan McCain in ugly spat over her support of Trump

Carrie Coon from “White Lotus” responds to Meghan McCain in heated disagreement regarding her endorsement of Trump

The White Lotus star Carrie Coon has clapped back at Meghan McCain amid the…
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announces Cook County Commissioner Anthony Joel Quezada for 35th Ward alderman pick

“Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Endorses Anthony Joel Quezada for 35th Ward Alderman”

In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson has chosen Cook County Commissioner Anthony Joel…
Hospital's flippant response after TEN of its maternity nurses working in same ward develop brain tumors

Hospital makes light of situation after ten maternity nurses in the same ward get brain tumors.

A Massachusetts maternity ward has seen a spike in nurses diagnosed with…