BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Law enforcement in Brevard County is cracking down on illegal immigration. The sheriff’s office is now implementing Operation Shield to help work closely with other state and federal agencies.
Sheriff Wayne Ivey posted a video on Facebook of an arrest saying in part:
“In just one hour we got 7 illegals here in Brevard County that are now on their way to detention. “Our deputies are out here working hand in hand with our federal partners, working with FHP, this is what’s going to get the job done”
Within one day of launching Operation Shield, Brevard County deputies detained multiple people believed to be in the county undocumented.
The Sheriff’s Homeland Immigration Enforcement and Lawful Detention, or Operation Shield, now allows the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office to work closely with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security, Customs Border Control and the Florida Highway Patrol. as well as local agencies to do what Ivey described as identify, detain and deport those in the county who are here illegally.
“The impacts of illegal immigration don’t stop at the border,” Ivey said. “They filter into every community in our country.”
The sheriff’s office will also take part in the 287-G federal program. It includes three separate immigration enforcement models, with one being the task force model. Trained law enforcement can serve as extensions of ICE or Homeland Security.
Thirty-five members of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office will go through this training.
“They are existing members in current assignments from all aspects of our agency to include patrol corrections, investigative agents, analysts and ag marine unit that works close to guard our water ways,” Ivey said.
Ivey said his department will also assign resources through the Stonegarden initiative to stop illegal immigration on area highways and other area roadways.
Last month, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the legislature approved an immigration-enforcement plan.
Ivey said he signed a letter of intent for law enforcement agencies to work together on this issue.
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