HB 245 would require every law enforcement agency that operates a detention facility to enter into a written agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program by January 1, 2026. The bill specifies that agencies must participate in the program, but it does not force them into any particular 287(g) model.
The bill also revises the existing reporting framework for agencies operating county detention facilities that are not in compliance. Those agencies would have to notify the Florida Department of Law Enforcement quarterly about the status of the required agreement and explain any reason for noncompliance. The act would take effect July 1, 2025.
Impact
HB 245 would amend section 908.11, Florida Statutes, by making participation in an ICE 287(g) agreement mandatory for law enforcement agencies operating detention facilities and by strengthening quarterly reporting obligations to the Department of Law Enforcement for noncompliant county detention facilities. In practical terms, the bill would expand state-level involvement in immigration enforcement by tying detention-facility operations to federal immigration cooperation agreements and creating a state reporting mechanism to monitor compliance.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate, support, or opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears to be a straightforward immigration-enforcement bill with a clear policy direction toward increased cooperation with ICE.
Contention
The main point of contention likely concerns whether Florida should require local law enforcement agencies to enter into federal immigration enforcement agreements, especially agencies that operate detention facilities. Supporters would likely view the bill as improving immigration enforcement coordination and accountability, while opponents may object to the mandate, the burden on local agencies, or the broader policy implications of involving local detention facilities in federal immigration enforcement.