Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Friday that the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has entered into a formal agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expand the state’s role in enforcing federal immigration laws.

Speaking at the Florida Capitol, DeSantis said the initiative aims to strengthen Florida’s ability to combat illegal immigration by allowing state law enforcement to act in coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Under the agreement, designated FHP officers will receive federal training to conduct immigration enforcement duties typically reserved for ICE agents. The agreement permits troopers to question individuals about their immigration status, serve arrest warrants for federal immigration offenses, and process noncitizens for removal proceedings.

The governor framed the move as a “necessary step” to address what he described as the federal government’s failure to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. He argued that Florida has been disproportionately affected by unauthorized migration and criticized the Biden administration’s handling of border security. DeSantis also noted that Florida is the first state highway patrol agency in the country to enter into a 287(g) agreement.

“President Donald Trump won a resounding election victory in part by promising to effectuate the largest mass deportation program in American history. Now that is not possible to be achieved unless states like Florida actively work to facilitate the Federal Operations, particularly with respect to interior enforcement.

Dave Kerner, executive director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, called the partnership a “force multiplier” that will enhance public safety by allowing FHP troopers to take direct action against individuals unlawfully present in the country.

“History will show that this agreement will have served as a turning point in our battle to defend our homeland and to defend our state,” said Kerner. “This agreement is larger than the words that are on its paper. It serves as a symbolic confluence of promises made and promises kept by Governor DeSantis and President Trump to secure our borders and our homeland.”