Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Blaise Ingoglia announced another $8.5 million in awards to four law enforcement agencies to help boost immigration enforcement and its duties while speaking at a press conference in Naples this week.
“Florida’s law enforcement officers work tirelessly to ensure that we are a law-and-order state," Ingoglia said in a release. "It is a privilege to stand with the brave men and women that serve with integrity, professionalism, and dedication in their role. We will continue to work with our local partners to put criminals behind bars and emphasize public safety throughout our state.”
Agencies awarded by the State Board of Immigration Enforcement were:
- Collier County Sheriff’s Office- $8,250,733.55
- Arcadia Police Department - $377,185.67
- Naples Police Department - $74,326.86
- Hendry County Sheriff’s Office - $85,067.0
A part of the Florida Cabinet, the State Board includes CFO Ingoglia, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
The funding coincides with the state's 287(g) agreement, which permits state and local law enforcement to partner with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the state's 287(g) agreement to work with ICE and the Department of Homeland Security to enforce federal immigration duties in February 2025.
CFO Ingoglia also awarded over $24 million to agencies as part of the effort earlier this week.
“With the support of our state and federal partners, we can continue to identify and apprehend criminals for their crimes," Collier County Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk said. "I want to thank CFO Ingoglia for his unwavering commitment in backing Florida’s law enforcement.”
Hendry County Sheriff Steven Whidden added, "We are utilizing every resource available to us to defend and protect Hendry County. Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for the reimbursement awarded today as this amplifies our ability to enhance public safety.”
Arcadia Police Assistant Marshal Gary Evans and Naples Police Assistant Chief Matthew Fletcher also thanked Ingoglia for the grants.
