Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 04 14 Consent 301 - Handout Provided by Commissioner BakerIf I may, I have some questions for the Chief I think we'd all like to hear answers to so theme m be rs of our community can have a better understanding should we move forward with signing the MOA. Consent Agenda Item 301: ICE 287(g) MCA Questions 1. From the ICE website there are 3 levels of 287(g). We are being asked to sign an MOA for the most extensive of the 3 that was previously done away with but reinstated during this administration. It states, "The Task Force Model serves as a force multiplier for law enforcement agencies to enforce limited immigration authority with ICE oversight during their routine police duties." In the MCA we are being asked to sign it gives our local PD, "The power and authority to interrogate any alien or person believed to be an alien as to his right to be or remain in the United States." This is only one area that is of concern. How is ICE's 287(g) Task Force Model Program different from what the department is already required to do when the department encounters a person who has committed a crime or has a standing warrant and who does not have the proper paperwork for the US immigration laws? 2. How many officers from your department will be required to fill this role? 3. Have any officers volunteered to be designated for this project yet? 4. Researchers have found that 287(g) programs foster environments that increase racial profiling by law enforcement agents that disproportionately impacts Latino and Black community residents. A 2022 study from Texas A&M University also found that this discriminatory behavior has affected law enforcement agencies that have not entered a formal ICE agreement but are geographically proximate to an agency with an active agreement. Despite the documented racial profiling caused by 287(g) programs, in states with growing anti -immigrant sentiments such as Florida, state lawmakers have expanded 287(g) programs. In the Florida legislature, lawmakers through SB1808 in 2022 that any law enforcement agency that operates a detention facility to enter a 287(g) agreement with ICE. Is there a threat of racial profiling under the 287(g) Project? How will you handle that? 5. How can we ensure that immigrants hereon visas, green cards, or those that have become citizens are safe from unnecessary detention or deportation, as we've seen happen in several instances across the country already? 6. A follow up to what was stated in SB1808, Winter Springs does not operate a detention facility, so is it necessary to enter into this agreement when the Sheriff already has? 7. What can you tell residents who fear our officers will be going into schools, churches or other places typically considered safe? 8. Will participating in this project take your officers away from otherwise important work? 9. On January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order (EO) 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. I don't think we are under invasion, but that's a moot point. This Executive order requires ICE to authorize State and local law enforcement officials, as the Secretary of Homeland Security determines are qualified and appropriate, under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to the maximum extent permitted by law. Several states, including but not limited to Georgia and Florida, have passed, or are considering, State legislation mandating law enforcement agencies (LEAs) seek out or enter into memorandums of agreement (MOA) with ICE pursuant to a partnership under the 287(g) Program. If I understand this correctly, some states LEA involvement is prohibited, some states it is voluntary, but states like Florida are mandated to participate in ICE 287(g)? 10. What costs will be covered by ICE and what costs, if any, will Winter Springs be responsible for? 11. Lastly, if the federal or state government decides to change the mandate and increase the responsibilities, will we have the opportunity to discuss those changes or will be bound to comply based on the signing of this MOA?