Florida interstate ride-along offers rare inside look at illegal immigrant captures

In the quiet town of St. Augustine, Florida, local law enforcement has become a focal point in the Trump administration’s efforts to address illegal immigration. The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO) has teamed up with federal immigration authorities to carry out arrests and dismantle human smuggling and sex-trafficking operations. Fox News Digital recently joined the SJSO on one of their operations, offering a firsthand look at how this collaboration works. At the heart of this effort is a task force made up of about 20-25 officers from local, state, and federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Border Patrol, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Led by Sgt. Bobby Kukar, the team conducts weekly operations along the Interstate 95 corridor, a hotspot for illegal activity.

During one such operation, the task force pulled over two brothers from Colombia for speeding. The brothers, who were driving without valid driver’s licenses, quickly raised suspicions about their immigration status when they couldn’t produce proper documentation. Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Matthew Zetts arrived at the scene and used specialized software to confirm their illegal status. As officers began searching the vehicle, they noticed something unusual—repeated screw holes on one side of the bumper. Sgt. Kukar explained that this could indicate a hidden compartment, possibly used to smuggle drugs across the border. A K-9 handler, Rob Hill, was called in, and the trained dog quickly detected the presence of drugs. The vehicle was seized for further inspection, and the brothers were placed under an ICE detainer before being taken to ICE’s Jacksonville field office.

The situation in St. Johns County highlights a broader trend of local jurisdictions working closely with federal immigration authorities. Sheriff Robert Hardwick has been vocal about the importance of this collaboration, emphasizing that public safety is a top priority. Under his leadership, the county has been operating this task force for over a year, but efforts have intensified since President Trump’s election. The county is part of the 287(g) program, which allows ICE to delegate certain immigration enforcement duties to local law enforcement. This includes identifying and detaining individuals suspected of being in the country illegally. Sheriff Hardwick has made it clear that his office is committed to going after what he calls the “worst of the worst”—criminal aliens wanted in Florida or the surrounding area.

Every Friday at 2 p.m., the SJSO meets with federal, state, and local partners to discuss their targets. “If you’re wanted—whether you’re an illegal alien or a U.S. citizen—we are going to hunt you down, find you, and hold you accountable for your actions,” Sheriff Hardwick warns. This no-nonsense approach reflects the administration’s tougher stance on illegal immigration. The 287(g) program has been instrumental in enabling local law enforcement to play a more active role in immigration enforcement. By working together, these agencies aim to disrupt smuggling networks and keep their communities safe.

The collaboration between local and federal authorities has not gone without controversy, however. Critics argue that such efforts could lead to racial profiling and erode trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities. ICE and DHS declined to comment on the specifics of their operations in St. Johns County, but the agency has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to upholding the law while protecting the rights of all individuals.

In the end, the situation in St. Johns County offers a glimpse into the evolving relationship between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. As the Trump administration continues to prioritize border security and immigration enforcement, partnerships like the one in Florida are likely to become more common. Whether this approach will lead to meaningful long-term solutions to the complex issue of illegal immigration remains to be seen. For now, Sheriff Hardwick and his team remain committed to their mission, driven by a belief that public safety and the rule of law go hand in hand.