Florida’s Increased Immigration Arrests Under Trump’s Second Term

In late March, a Florida Fish and Wildlife officer approached a Guatemalan couple walking their dog in Bonita Springs, a wealthy community on the Gulf Coast. The officer, from his car, requested the husband’s ID and later directed them to head toward the park exit. The wife, who remained anonymous to protect their pending asylum cases, stated that her husband faced an unjust arrest. According to her, the officer falsely accused the dog of biting him, although he never left his vehicle, and called for Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, who took the husband into custody.

Unlike in Democratic-led sanctuary cities, where resistance to Trump’s immigration policies is significant, Florida, a Republican-led state, actively participates in the crackdown. Approximately 347 state and local agencies, including police departments, the Florida National Guard, and others like the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, are involved. These agencies often deny requests for arrest records and body camera footage, aligning with the Department of Homeland Security’s directives.

Surge in Arrests

Data from the University of California, Berkeley’s Deportation Data Project, analyzed by the Associated Press, shows a steep rise in immigration arrests. In the 416 days starting January 20, 2025, nearly 39,000 immigrants were arrested in Florida. During the Biden administration’s preceding 416 days, there were 11,088 arrests. Under Trump, Florida recorded an average of 93 daily arrests, behind Texas, which recorded 239.

Governor Ron DeSantis supports the 287(g) agreements, which provide immigration enforcement powers to local law enforcement. These agreements enable officers to detain immigrants for deportation. Vilerka Bilbao, an immigration attorney, highlights that officers often use minor traffic violations as pretexts to detain immigrants, leading to ICE custody.

Case Study: Father and Son Deported

In another incident, Lee County deputies detained a 44-year-old Guatemalan man and his 21-year-old son near Fort Myers. The deputies claimed their license plate was expired, though it was valid. The man’s wife, speaking anonymously, stated her husband and son were deported to Guatemala a week later, leaving behind her, their two minor sons, and their U.S. citizen daughter. The husband missed an immigration court hearing in Miami due to financial constraints, despite attending three others. DHS claimed the two had illegally crossed the border and faced a final removal order since 2019.

In the case of the man walking his dog, DHS arrested him for having two pending removal orders. However, the Florida agencies that initiated these stops and apprehensions have not released arrest reports or bodycam footage, citing ICE directives. These actions seemingly conflict with Florida’s Sunshine Law, which presumes records are public unless exempt.

Expansion Across the U.S.

Florida’s aggressive approach to immigration enforcement mirrors a broader nationwide trend. The 287(g) program’s participation expanded from 135 agreements in 20 states to over 1,700 in 41 states and territories during Trump’s second term. DHS offers financial incentives to participating agencies, including salary reimbursements and equipment up to $7,500 per officer, and up to $100,000 for new vehicles.