Cooperation State: High Risk
Florida forcefully mandates local compliance with federal immigration directives. All 67 counties function as an extension of the federal deportation pipeline.
Key Laws to Understand
SB 168 (2019) - Anti-Sanctuary Law
Explicitly prohibits "sanctuary policies" across all state and local entities.
Requirements:
- Local law enforcement must use "best efforts" to support federal immigration enforcement
- Mandatory compliance with all ICE detainer requests
- Facilitates transfer of individuals from local jails to ICE custody
SB 1808 - Mandatory 287(g)
Forces law enforcement agencies operating county detention centers to enter into 287(g) agreements with ICE.
E-Verify Expansion (2026)
Florida has aggressively expanded employment verification:
| Previous Law | 2026 Expansion |
|---|---|
| Required for public employers | Expanding to ALL private employers |
| 25+ employee minimum | Eliminating minimum threshold |
| Employee classification | Reclassifying independent contractors |
Bills: SB 782 and HB 1033 seek to force all private employers to use E-Verify.
Enforcement Patterns
Due to SB 168 and SB 1808 mandates, Florida's enforcement is highly integrated with ICE:
| Area | Enforcement Type |
|---|---|
| Miami Metro | Heavy ICE presence, 287(g) JEM |
| Agricultural Regions | Worksite enforcement |
| Miami International Airport | CBP and ICE operations |
| All 67 Counties | 287(g) participation |
287(g) Model Used
Florida primarily uses the Jail Enforcement Model (JEM):
- Deputized officers interview jail bookings about immigration status
- Access to federal DHS databases
- Can prepare charging documents and issue detainers
- Seamless transfer to ICE custody
Legal Aid Resources
Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC)
Statewide alliance coordinating legal services and advocacy.
- Coverage: Statewide
- Services: Legal referrals, advocacy, community empowerment
- Website: floridaimmigrant.org
Americans for Immigrant Justice (AIJ)
- Location: Miami
- Services: Pro bono representation, detained individuals, unaccompanied minors
- Phone: (305) 573-1106
Catholic Charities
Regional offices throughout Florida providing immigration legal services.
CABA Pro Bono Project
- Location: Miami (South Florida)
- Services: Naturalization, Special Immigrant Juveniles
- Phone: (305) 856-5999
Detention Facilities
| Facility | Location | Operator | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krome Service Processing Center | Miami | ICE/Akima | ~600 |
| Broward Transitional Center | Pompano Beach | GEO Group | 700 |
| Glades County Detention Center | Moore Haven | County | 750 |
Note: Krome is a primary staging hub for deportation flights to the Caribbean and South America.
Immigration Courts
| Location | Type |
|---|---|
| Miami | Main court |
| Orlando | Satellite |
| Krome | Detained docket |
Know Your Rights in Florida
Even in a cooperation state, constitutional rights apply:
- You have the right to remain silent - Exercise it
- You do NOT have to open your door without a judicial warrant
- Do NOT sign anything without consulting an attorney
- Do NOT carry false documents - This creates additional charges
- Have an emergency plan - Know your legal contacts
E-Verify: What Workers Should Know
With expanding E-Verify mandates:
- Employers may be required to verify ALL new hires
- Independent contractors may be reclassified
- Non-compliance creates legal exposure for employers
- Workers have rights during I-9 audits
If your employer receives an I-9 audit notice:
- You should be notified
- Consult an immigration attorney immediately
- Do not provide false information
Emergency Contacts
| Resource | Contact |
|---|---|
| Americans for Immigrant Justice | (305) 573-1106 |
| Florida Immigrant Coalition | floridaimmigrant.org |
| CABA Pro Bono | (305) 856-5999 |
| ACLU Florida | (786) 363-2700 |