TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Blaise Ingoglia awarded $1.8 million to local law enforcement agencies to support immigration enforcement and fight back against the dangerous impacts of illegal immigration. Agencies awarded today were the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Chattahoochee Police Department.

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “Our law enforcement professionals put their lives on the line every single day. They deserve our support and the resources necessary to keep our communities safe. As our officers work overtime to clean up the immigration mess that the previous administration made, I applaud the efforts of President Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis to maximize every resource available for law enforcement to help secure the border and protect our citizens.”

Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett said, “Every day, our priority is to protect the citizens of Taylor County. With this funding provided by the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, we are deporting criminal aliens who cause harm to our people. Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for your unwavering support for our law enforcement officers.”

Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil said, “An investment in law enforcement is an investment in stronger, safer communities. This money awarded ensures that we have the resources and capabilities to respond to illegal immigration and we do not have to rely solely on local resources. On behalf of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, we are thankful for the CFO’s support and dedication to our officers.”

Jefferson County Sheriff Mac McNeil said, “As a Sheriff, it is vital to have the support of Florida Cabinet members to ensure that our officers have the resources they need to protect and serve our communities. Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for being a consistent supporter of law enforcement in north Florida.”

Suwannee County Sheriff Sam St. John said, “Every community has felt the negative impacts of illegal immigration. No matter how big or how small the law enforcement agency is, we are all fighting back to ensure the safety of our residents. Thank you CFO Ingoglia for supporting our efforts to fight back against the terrible impacts of illegal immigration.”

Chattahoochee Police Chief Michael Miller said, “As law enforcement officers, it is our duty to protect our residents and by participating in the 287(g) program, we are equipping our officers with the resources they need to protect Chattahoochee families.”

Funding is made available through the State Board of Immigration Enforcement for local law enforcement agencies that have applied for reimbursement of immigration enforcement. Bonuses are awarded to law enforcement who have been trained under the 287 (g) agreement of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This agreement allows for state and local law enforcement to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

As part of the Florida Cabinet, CFO Ingoglia is a member of the State Board of Immigration Enforcement. Other members include Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney General James Uthmeier, and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.

Money Awarded to Local Law Enforcement by the State Board of Immigration

• Taylor County Sheriff’s Office- $991,279
• Leon County Sheriff’s Office- $499,523
• Suwanee County Sheriff’s Office- $212,376
• Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office- $130,660.70
• Chattahoochee Police Department- $30,440