Florida Immigration Council Urges Local Law Enforcement to Report Arrests: Implications for Northwest Florida

Last updated: July 1, 2026

PENSACOLA, Fla. NewsWK — The Florida Immigration Enforcement Council is urging local law enforcement agencies across the state, including those in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, to ensure they report their immigration-related arrests. This call to action comes after the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported a significant oversight in their compliance with these requirements.

During a recent meeting, the council, composed of influential Republican sheriffs and police chiefs, highlighted that the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, despite having 40 designated immigration officers, failed to report any immigration arrests or encounters over the past year. Sheriff T.K. Waters, who serves on the council, admitted to a “reporting snafu,” stating that his office was unaware of its noncompliance until shortly before the meeting. He explained that his deputies mistakenly believed that marking an “ICE” box on paperwork sufficed for the state’s reporting requirements.

Data from the council revealed that over 60% of Florida law enforcement agencies that collaborate with ICE either have not reported any immigration arrests or have not arrested individuals with ICE detainers. This poses a concern for local residents, as the enforcement of immigration laws is tied to community safety and cooperation between local and federal authorities.

In Northwest Florida, the implications of this oversight could affect local institutions, as agencies failing to comply with reporting obligations risk losing access to state grants aimed at bolstering immigration enforcement. A grant program currently approved $148 million for local agencies, with the potential for much more funding at stake.

During the meeting, council members expressed frustration over the lack of compliance, emphasizing that reporting is a straightforward expectation that agencies should meet. “You’re either doing it or you’re not,” remarked Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, indicating that leniency for noncompliance is no longer an option. Fort Walton Beach Police Chief Robert Bage echoed this sentiment, asserting that excuses for failing to report are no longer acceptable.

As local law enforcement agencies in Pensacola, Milton, and surrounding areas consider their reporting practices, residents may want to stay informed about how these developments could impact community safety and the relationship between local and federal immigration enforcement efforts.