Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia Awards Over $1.7 Million to Assist with Immigration Enforcement for Local Law Enforcement Agencies
1/15/2026
WINTER HAVEN, Fla.- Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Blaise Ingoglia awarded over $1.7 million to assist local law enforcement agencies with immigration enforcement efforts. The law enforcement agencies awarded today are the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, Hardee County Sheriff's Office, and the Port Richey Police Department.
Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “Local law enforcement agencies throughout Florida work tirelessly to protect Floridians. Because of the crisis caused by reckless border policies of the Biden Administration, our local law enforcement agencies have stepped up to assist with immigration enforcement efforts and help to deport dangerous criminal illegal aliens out of our country. It is because of their efforts that Florida leads the nation in immigration enforcement. We must keep our foot on the gas to continue our efforts to protect Floridians from criminal illegal aliens.”
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said, “The illegal immigration crisis has been a problem for far too long. Thanks to the efforts of our Governor and our CFO during his time as a legislator, we now have the resources necessary to support our federal partners. As our deputies work to arrest and transport criminal illegal aliens, they must have the tools to do their job safely and effectively. I want to thank CFO Ingoglia for his dedication to prioritizing the needs of our deputies as they protect and serve the Polk County community.”
Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said, “Florida has led the nation in immigration enforcement, and it has led to safer communities. I am thankful for the support of our state leaders like CFO Ingoglia as we work with the federal government to ensure that our nation’s immigration laws are followed and enforced.”
Sarasota County Major Ryan Brown said, “The reckless actions of criminal aliens put the lives of Sarasota County citizens at stake, but thankfully, leaders like CFO Ingoglia have stepped up to make sure that law enforcement can do their jobs and put these criminal illegal aliens behind bars. I want to thank CFO Ingoglia for his unwavering support in helping us fight the illegal immigration crisis.”
Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis said, “The ability to aid ICE with immigration efforts means that we can now take a proactive approach to removing criminal illegal aliens from our communities before they have the opportunity to inflict harm on our residents. Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for awarding the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office today so that we can continue our fight against illegal immigration.”
Hardee County Sheriff Vent Crawford said, “We are proud to work with our federal and state law enforcement partners to arrest criminal illegal immigrants and turn them over to federal authorities. The funding awarded today and the assistance in the past help us secure our county, while also securing our nation’s border and protecting our citizens.”
Port Richey Police Chief Frank Ruggiero said, “Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for providing us with the funding needed to remove criminal aliens off our streets. This money is not only an investment in our officers, but it is also an investment in our community’s safety.”
Under the 287 (g) agreement, state and local law enforcement agencies can partner with ICE in immigration enforcement efforts. Funding is provided through the State Board of Immigration Enforcement for law enforcement agencies that have applied for reimbursement. This includes bonuses for law enforcement officers who have been trained under the 287 (g) agreement.
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 Enforcement
- Polk County Sheriff’s Office - $1,006,985.10
- Hernando County Sheriff’s Office - $321,112.30
- Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office - $283,389.68
- Hardee County Sheriff’s Office - $135,560
- Port Richey Police Department - $32,850
Photos
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About the CFO
Florida
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia serves as
the state’s top financial watchdog, a member of the Florida Cabinet, and the
head of the Florida Department of Financial Services. As CFO, he oversees
billions of dollars in state funds and is committed to protecting taxpayer
dollars, strengthening Florida’s fiscal health, and delivering essential
services that support the state’s excellent economy. As State Fire Marshal, CFO
Ingoglia also works every day to support Florida’s first responders as they
risk their lives to serve and protect communities across the state.