TAVARES, Fla.- Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Blaise Ingoglia awarded over $24 million to Florida law enforcement agencies to support immigration enforcement. The money awarded to the eight police departments and sheriff’s offices today will enhance law enforcement capabilities. 

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “While some other states shy away from backing law enforcement, we are all in. Florida is the most law enforcement friendly state in the nation because of our commitment to backing the blue and ensuring that we are providing law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to do their jobs effectively and keep our residents safe. Our work will continue, and I am thankful to stand alongside our law enforcement partners as they work tirelessly to protect our state.”

Lake County Sheriff Peyton C. Grinnell said, “Illegal immigration has devastated our communities for years, but criminal illegal aliens no longer get a free pass to come to our country and cause harm. Thanks to the work of CFO Ingoglia, the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, and our federal partners, we can continue our mission in keeping our citizens safe by deporting these criminals out of our county.”

Osceola County Sheriff Chris Blackmon said, “Our deputies are working around the clock to put criminals behind bars and stop crime in its tracks. I am incredibly thankful for the State Board of Immigration Enforcement working alongside us so that we can continue to do our jobs safely and efficiently.”

Sumter County Sheriff Patrick Breeden said, “CFO Ingoglia continues to show his support for Florida’s law enforcement by strengthening our capabilities to put criminals behind bars. The funding awarded today helps us ensure public safety and help remove criminal illegal aliens from our streets.”

Orange County Chief Deputy Carlos Torres said, “Leaders like CFO Ingoglia know that the safety of our citizens is a top priority. Thank you for working with us to protect our communities.” 

Local law enforcement agencies receive funding through the State Board of Immigration Enforcement for reimbursement of immigration enforcement activities. Under the 287 (g) agreement, the Immigration and Nationality Act authorizes state and local law enforcement to partner with ICE. Additionally, bonuses are provided to law enforcement officers who are trained under the 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.

Funding awarded to Florida law enforcement agencies by the State Board of Immigration Enforcement

• Lake County Sheriff’s Office - $1,244,737.65 
• Fruitland Park Police Department - $59,800 
• Clermont Police Department - $16,471 
• Orange County Sheriff’s Office - $10,881,072.40 
• City of St. Cloud Police Department - $38,000 
• Osceola County Sheriff’s Office - $11,044,909.42 
• Osceola County Board of County Commissioners - $223,878.98
• Sumter County Sheriff’s Office - $531,678