ICE uses controversial program to boost deportations. Here’s how it works in 1 county

Local Law Enforcement Expands Immigration Role Through Federal Partnership

Ecorescuezone.com – In the quiet corridors of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, a quiet transformation is underway. Oscar D’Lassalas stands in his office, surrounded by photographs of his family—four sons and one daughter, with the youngest preparing to celebrate her third birthday this December. His wife, he notes with a smile, keeps the household running smoothly.

These family photos hang prominently above the driver’s seat of his official vehicle, a space equally filled with professional equipment: rifles, a fire extinguisher, and bulletproof vests. The juxtaposition tells a story of a man balancing domestic life with increasingly complex public safety responsibilities.

A Growing Federal-Local Alliance

D’Lassalas, now 40 years old, serves as both a sergeant and the leader of his department’s SWAT team. Last year, he earned certification as a 287(g) task force officer—a designation that empowers local law enforcement to enforce specific provisions of federal immigration law during routine field operations.

The certification process required 40 hours of online coursework. Under recent administrative changes, this training timeline was compressed from what previously demanded a full month of in-person participation. These modifications reflect a broader strategy to accelerate the expansion of local agencies into federal immigration enforcement.

“To me, it was just another way to help out as much as I can in my community,” D’Lassalas explains.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office occupies a strategic position in Florida’s Panhandle region, situated between Pensacola and Tallahassee. The area borders Alabama to the north and maintains a predominantly rural character with a population spanning middle-to-lower income brackets. This geographic and economic positioning makes the county particularly dependent on immigrant workers for its construction and tourism sectors.

Program Mechanics and Controversies

The 287(g) framework has existed for three decades, utilized across both Democratic and Republican administrations with varying intensity. Under Walton County’s task force agreement, officers receive deputization to conduct specific immigration enforcement activities. These responsibilities encompass questioning individuals suspected of unauthorized presence, gathering relevant evidence, and executing immigration-related arrests.

Sheriff Michael Adkinson emphasizes that their approach remains measured. “We’re certainly not out doing immigration raids. That’s not what we do,” he states. “But if we come across those individuals who are committing a crime or endangering someone else, in the state of Florida, then we’re certainly going to do that.”

Despite this measured stance, the program faces ongoing criticism. Civil rights organizations have filed lawsuits alleging racial profiling, while local communities report that the program diverts resources from traditional law enforcement duties.

Florida’s Leadership Position

Florida currently leads the nation in local law enforcement participation in the 287(g) program. According to the Florida Sheriffs Association, all 67 counties in the state have established cooperation agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement as of last year.

“In Florida, it’s much more under the radar and in many ways more insidious,” observes Sam Lester, an immigrant rights attorney with the ACLU of Florida. “By far, the vast majority of immigration enforcement is done by local and state law enforcement who are deputized under 287(g).”

Lester raises concerns about the adequacy of training protocols. He notes that U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents—particularly Latino individuals with accents—frequently encounter questioning about their immigration status. In some instances, these individuals face arrest despite having legal status.

“Being pulled over by a trooper and he starts asking me just for my status simply because of my complexion. I think that’s unfair to ask,” Lester remarks.

Financial Incentives and Infrastructure

Beyond the 287(g) designation, Walton County established an additional partnership with ICE last year. Approximately 48 jail beds were converted into a 72-hour detention facility for immigrant detainees. The federal government provides reimbursement of $72 per inmate per day under this arrangement.

Florida has supplemented these federal funds with state-level support. The State Board of Immigration Enforcement approved more than $9 million in grants during the summer for Walton County’s operations as an ICE holding facility.

The Trump administration has positioned billions of dollars in incentives to encourage law enforcement agencies to collaborate with federal immigration authorities. Sheriff Adkinson maintains that his department prioritizes professionalism and respect in all interactions.

“There’s a big difference between what you can do and what you should do,” he says.

As the program continues to evolve, Walton County’s experience reflects broader national trends in local-federal immigration enforcement partnerships. The balance between effective enforcement and civil rights protection remains an ongoing challenge for communities across the country.