Florida sheriff asks Trump’s ICE to remove Biden-era ‘shackles’

Sheriff Grady Judd of Polk County, Florida, has called on federal immigration authorities to remove the “shackles” that currently hinder local law enforcement agencies from effectively collaborating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to address the issue of illegal criminal migrants. Judd emphasized that local law enforcement could be ICE’s most significant asset in keeping communities safe, particularly in fulfilling President Donald Trump’s promise to deport illegal immigrants. He stressed the need for federal infrastructure to house migrants, as local agencies are capable of detaining large numbers of illegal criminals but lack the resources to manage them effectively. Judd pointed out that there are approximately 1.4 million individuals with active federal warrants or removal orders, but without proper infrastructure and communication, these individuals often remain in the community, posing a threat to public safety.

Judd highlighted the importance of cooperation between federal and local agencies, noting that Polk County signed a memorandum of agreement with ICE in 2019 during Trump’s first term. Under this agreement, ICE would take custody of illegal immigrants arrested by local authorities on other criminal charges. However, Judd noted that this cooperation diminished under the Biden administration, which he criticized for prioritizing the retention of criminal illegal aliens over their removal. He expressed frustration, stating that this stance allows criminal illegal aliens to remain in the country and continue victimizing law-abiding citizens. Judd commended Florida’s state leadership, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, for working on legislation to ensure that all government entities in Florida cooperate with federal immigration efforts and provide necessary infrastructure to support these initiatives.

One of the key challenges Judd identified is the lack of information sharing between federal authorities and local law enforcement. He explained that migrants with active deportation orders are not listed in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), a database used by law enforcement to access criminal histories. This gap in information poses a significant risk to officer safety, as local authorities may unknowingly interact with individuals who have deportation orders but are unaware of their status. Judd stressed the need for open communication and collaboration between federal agencies and local law enforcement to address this issue. He emphasized that better information sharing would enable local agencies to assist ICE more effectively in identifying and apprehending illegal immigrants who pose a threat to public safety.

Judd provided specific examples of how illegal immigration has impacted Polk County. He mentioned that the Biden administration’s policies have allowed illegal migrants, including professional burglars from Venezuela, to enter the country and target specific communities, such as Asian-American business owners. In one instance, seven out of nine burglaries targeted Asian-Americans, highlighting the disproportionate impact on this community. Judd also referenced a group of Venezuelan migrants who were involved in stealing millions of dollars across the U.S., including hundreds of thousands from victims in Polk County and Central Florida. Additionally, he noted that illegal immigrants driving without licenses have contributed to traffic fatalities, further straining public safety resources.

The sheriff also shared a troubling anecdote about a criminal migrant who was apprehended by his department, only to be released back into the community due to ICE’s refusal to place a hold on him. Despite being caught again for driving under the influence (DUI), the individual was not detained by ICE, illustrating the broader issue of federal inaction in addressing illegal immigration. Judd expressed frustration over the lack of accountability and the repeated victimization of law-abiding citizens by criminal illegal aliens. He argued that Polk County’s crime rate, which is currently at a 53-year low, could be even lower if the federal government took a tougher stance on illegal immigration. Judd also linked the surge in fentanyl-related deaths to the unsecured borders, attributing the crisis to the influx of illegal drugs and the failure of federal authorities to address the root causes of illegal immigration.

In conclusion, Sheriff Judd called for urgent action from the federal government to address the issue of illegal immigration. He emphasized the need for better infrastructure, improved communication, and stronger cooperation between federal and local agencies to ensure public safety. Judd reiterated his commitment to working with ICE and other federal authorities to apprehend and deport illegal criminals, but he stressed that without federal support, local efforts will remain hindered. He urged the federal government to ramp up its efforts and work alongside local law enforcement to create safer communities and prevent further victimization of American citizens. By addressing these challenges, Judd believes that the U.S. can effectively tackle the illegal immigration crisis and reduce the associated risks to public safety.