Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an agreement last week that could soon deputize Florida Highway Patrol officers as federal immigration officers. The head of a major trooper union isn't happy about it.
DeSantis met with law enforcement and Floridians affected by illegal immigration on Jan. 29. His office said the discussions focused on new legislation to help the Trump administration combat illegal immigration.
He then signed a memorandum between the Florida Highway Patrol and ICE. It gives troopers authority to enforce immigration laws.
"Governor DeSantis understands the role of law enforcement," said Dave Kerner, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director. "He wants the strongest immigration law possible, empowering law enforcement to deport illegal aliens residing in the state."
"Troopers are going to do what they're told to do," said William Smith, president of the Florida Highway Patrol chapter of the Police Benevolent Association. "We're going to become the tip of the spear." But he added, "It would be nice to know that … we have additional funding."
The move comes as DeSantis criticizes a new immigration reform bill passed by the Florida Legislature. "The bill … fails to honor our promises to voters, fails to meet the moment, and would actually weaken state immigration enforcement," he said at a press conference.
"We must have the strongest law in the nation," DeSantis added. He wants guaranteed state and local deportation assistance, an end to catch and release, and policies to eliminate "magnets" like remittances.
DeSantis also wants counties and cities to join the federal deportation program. He proposed suspending officials who don’t comply. He’s pushing for a state crime for illegal entry and requiring ID checks before sending money abroad.
The legislature's priorities include a mandatory death penalty for illegal immigrants convicted of capital offenses. They also want harsher sentences for gang members, stronger intelligence sharing, and stricter enforcement against sanctuary cities.
"What's going on with the Legislature and the governor right now … we're almost caught in the middle," Smith said. "There's no additional funding to pay for those additional duties." He added, "It's easy to sign a piece of paper and say, 'we're going to have troopers do that now.' OK, well, are you going to pay me more money?"
Smith has been a trooper for 41 years. He supports immigration reform but believes the agency is underfunded. "We need to increase our pay," he said. "Troopers need to know they can still put food on the table, buy a house, and raise kids."
Right now, new troopers make about $54,000. Smith said the department is asking for $12.9 million in the next budget to raise salaries and hire more officers. He believes full funding would require $27 million.
After the memorandum was signed, Smith said he had "more questions than answers." He added, "There hasn't been any guidance … from the governor's office about what our role will be, what the training will be."
There are nearly 150 trooper vacancies, Smith said. Meanwhile, the governor wants to cut 25 positions.
"It's like taking a step forward and two steps back," Smith said.