This was unexpected.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is calling out ICE for trying to recruit law enforcement officers away from the Sunshine State—just as President Trump ramps up his historic crackdown on illegal immigration.
Speaking Friday at the Florida Highway Patrol Headquarters in Orlando, DeSantis warned that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is offering massive bonuses to state officers who are already doing the frontline work of enforcing immigration law.
“They’re offering our officers $50,000 signing bonuses,” DeSantis said. “These are the same men and women already fighting illegal immigration right here in Florida. Why strip them from our departments instead of expanding the mission?”
ICE Offers Massive Bonuses—At Florida’s Expense
ICE has reportedly sent recruitment letters to numerous Florida law enforcement personnel, offering what they describe as a “robust package” that includes federal benefits and up to $50,000 in signing bonuses.
Local sheriffs aren’t happy.
“I know a lot of sheriffs have expressed concern,” DeSantis said. “We’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with ICE, and now they’re trying to poach our people instead of hiring new ones. That’s not how you build a national immigration force.”
Florida: A National Model for Immigration Enforcement
Under President Donald Trump, Florida has become a model for strong immigration enforcement. The state has signed numerous 287(g) agreements—formal partnerships between ICE and local law enforcement—to empower sheriffs and police to act directly on illegal immigration cases.
“We’ve gone above and beyond,” DeSantis added. “Our deputies have trained under ICE’s own rules. Now they want to take our talent and shift them over without expanding resources? That’s a net loss.”
ICE Confirms Over 1,000 Job Offers Since July 4
According to federal reports, ICE has issued more than 1,000 job offers since Independence Day, many going to former ICE officers who left during the Biden administration. The agency is now targeting current officers in states like Florida with generous incentives.
DeSantis: “Defend Your Departments”
DeSantis says he hasn’t seen the letters firsthand but hears the frustration loud and clear.
“This isn’t our policy. This is ICE,” he said. “But I told our sheriffs: fight for your deputies. Defend your departments. Speak up, and let Washington know Florida won’t be hollowed out.”
Trump’s “Alligator Alcatraz” Sets the Tone
Just last month, President Trump visited Florida’s new Everglades immigration detention facility, already earning the nickname “Alligator Alcatraz.” The facility has been praised as a bold symbol of America’s renewed focus on border security and internal enforcement.
As Trump prepares for a second term, DeSantis is ensuring Florida remains on the front lines—but warns that raiding the state’s best officers will only slow the national effort.
Bottom Line: Florida is Leading—Don’t Undermine It
In the fight to secure America’s borders and stop the flood of illegal immigration, Florida isn’t asking for help—it’s already delivering. But as ICE steps in to recruit its top talent away, Governor DeSantis is sending a clear message: Back off.