ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla.- Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Blaise Ingoglia awarded over $1.8 million through the State Board of Immigration Enforcement to local law enforcement agencies to support their efforts in combating illegal immigration. These agencies include the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and Putnam County Sheriff's Office.

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “Under the failed Biden administration, the detrimental impacts of illegal immigration plagued the nation, but President Trump has made it his mission to rectify these wrongs. By supporting our law enforcement and ensuring they have the resources they need to assist in immigration enforcement efforts, we are further securing our state from criminal illegal aliens. I am thankful for the efforts of President Donald Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis in securing our border and protecting the citizens of our great state.”

St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick said, “The money awarded to us by the State Board of Immigration is an investment in the safety and protection of our community. I am grateful for CFO Ingoglia’s support, and his dedication to making sure our law enforcement officers have the resources they need to make St. Johns County and the State of Florida the best place in the nation to live, work, play, raise a family and retire.”

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said, “Criminal illegal aliens have no business in our great state of Florida. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is thankful for the CFO’s ongoing commitment to illegal immigration enforcement and keeping Florida safe.”

Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook said, “Because of CFO Ingoglia’s hard work, we have received the necessary funding for our agency to protect the residents of Clay County.  Illegal immigration is a pressing issue in our state and country, this money will be used to strengthen our law enforcement so they can respond quickly and effectively.”

Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith said, “In Bradford County, public safety is our top priority and this funding for immigration enforcement ensures that our officers have the capability to assist immigration officials as effectively as possible. I want to thank CFO Ingoglia for prioritizing the needs of law enforcement agencies so we can do our jobs safely and successfully.”

Putnam County Sheriff H.D. “Gator” Deloach said, “With the support of CFO Ingoglia and the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, our officers are better equipped to protect our state from the detrimental impacts of illegal immigration. Through the money awarded today we are keeping Florida safe and secure.”

Funding is made available through the State Board of Immigration Enforcement for local law enforcement agencies that have applied for reimbursement of immigration enforcement. Bonuses awarded to law enforcement are provided through the 287 (g) agreement of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This agreement allows for state and local law enforcement to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

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 State Board of Immigration

• St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office- $1,000,000
• Clay County Sheriff’s Office- $606,151.13
• Putnam County Sheriff’s Office- $108,384
• Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office- $94,000
• Bradford County Sheriff’s Office- $25,683