A sheriff in Florida said that the use of relationships with Federal Immigration -Enforcement officials is the “top of the spear” to combat criminal migrants.
Sheriff Robert Hardwick from St. Johns County told Fox News Digital that his department has a duty to collaborate with federal officials.
St. Johns County is part of the 287 (G) program with which US Immigration and Customs Protection (ICE) can be delegated to state and local law enforcers certain immigration functions, including the identification and retention of suspected illegal immigrants.
“Deputy -Sheriffs have worked on Interstate 95 with our customs and border patrol, with ice cream and with ero,” he said. “We have collaborated with all our federal partners to continue and not only force immigration, but also to enforce human trafficking, sex trade, weapons, narcotic drugs and any illegal activity.”
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Sheriff Rob Hardwick from St. Johns County shared how his department cooperates with federal immigration authorities. (Florida Sheriff’s Association)
While the prison in the province, the home of the oldest city in the US, is not a federal holding place, the delegates of the Sheriff work closely with federal officials to inform them illegal migrants.
Hardwick explained that if representatives stop someone for a traffic violation, that person cannot provide a valid proof of identification and the police think they are not legal in the country, they will book them.
“Our deputy sheriffs will take you to the prison of St. Johns County for driving without a valid driver’s license,” he said. “And we will roll your fingerprints in the systems. We will also perform it via a system called IAQ (Immigration Alien Query). And it will show whether you have a civil deportation letter or perhaps an order for your arrest.
“We run IAQ almost daily in the prison of St. Johns County,” he said. “And we have detainers almost daily.”
St. Augustine, Fla. (Istock)
Hardwick shared that civil servants in Florida “take the tip of the spear and go to a different level.”
“And that means that we will actually hold all Sheriffs responsible and let them play in the sandbox and ensure that we work with our federal partners to force these deportations, attitudes and our lists,” he said.
He shared that they meet federal, national and local partners on Friday at 2 p.m. to discuss the worst of the worst, criminal aliens Searched in Florida Or in the immediate vicinity.
“And a simple warning that in the state of Florida, if you are desired – whether you are an illegal alien or are a citizen of the United States – we are going to visit you to find yourself and to keep you responsible for your actions, “He said.
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Hardwick noted that it can be difficult to locate, because there are organizations that produce fake -Sofi numbers or fake driving licenses that look legitimate.
American immigration and customs enforcement agents, together with other federal law enforcement agencies, attend a meeting in Chicago January 26, 2025. (Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty images)
Part of the multiple approach of the province is the use of technology to inform the police of those who arrive in their jurisdiction.
“We have worked hard interstate 95 because we know that there is a lot of ban overlooked. We have a brand new tool and technology here in Saint Johns County. We just fired recently,” he said. “We have license plate readers on our north and southern border and, while you enter, your car wags will be executed.
“From yesterday we are on average between 17 and 22 hits, which means that they could Be stolen carsWanted persons or deportation orders where someone wanted on the criminal alien list. So I think we just do things a little differently here in St. Johns County and lead from the front, give a good example. “
President Donald Trump talks about the economy during an event in the Circa Resort and Casino in Las Vegas January 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Referring to GOV. Ron Desantis’ Newly signed legislation This has adopted insidior immigration laws in Florida, Hardwick said his office is waiting for additional guidelines on immigration enforcement.
“We only have 1500 beds in the state of Florida for deportation,” he said. “And Florida has more than 23 million people who live here. We just have to follow those who have an order for their arrest, and we have to get them from our country.”
He noted that President Donald Trump was “crystal clear that immigration was number 1 on his list.”
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“Let’s start preparing ourselves when that happens and what it will look like,” he said.
“I think it is important that we just do something a little differently, and we do not get into this job and sit as chosen officials and do the status quo,” he added. “You have to think outside the frameworks.”
FOX News Digital has contacted the White House, ICE and GOV. Desantis for comment.
