WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.- Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Blaise Ingoglia awarded $2 million dollars to local law enforcement agencies to aid immigration enforcement and deport illegal aliens that have caused harm to Floridians. The agencies that were awarded today include the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, and Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “Florida is a law-and-order state, which means there is zero tolerance for criminal illegal aliens. Our law enforcement partners need the proper resources to assist our federal partners in the fight to secure our border and rectify the massive illegal immigration problem caused by the failed Biden administration. Under Governor DeSantis and President Trump, we are making incredible strides in the fight against illegal immigration, but we must keep our foot on the gas and continue our efforts across the state.”

Palm Beach County Chief Deputy Sheriff Robert Allen said, “CFO Ingoglia’s dedication to law enforcement is evident and through these funds from the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, we can continue our efforts to keep our communities safe from the dangers of illegal immigration.”

St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard R. Del Toro, Jr. said, “Our deputies need support more than ever to face the growing problem of illegal immigration. The money provided to us by CFO Ingoglia and the State Board of Immigration is a means to protect the citizens of St. Lucie County by arresting criminal aliens.”

Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers said, “Law enforcement put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of Indian River residents and it is paramount that they are equipped with the training and resources necessary to assist ICE with anti-illegal immigration efforts. On behalf of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Department, I want to thank CFO Ingoglia and the State Board of Immigration Enforcement for going above and beyond to take care of our officers.”

State 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 are awarded to law enforcement officers who have been trained under 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 the State Board of Immigration

• St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office - $998,605.39
• Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office - $994,373.50
• Indian River County Sheriff’s Office - $93,344.45