Florida Ag Officers Gain New Authority
You might think agricultural law enforcement is mostly about animals and crops—but in Florida, it’s now also dealing more directly with people-related issues.
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that all sworn officers with the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement are now certified under the federal 287(g) program. That means they’re officially trained to support immigration enforcement when they encounter individuals breaking federal law.
“Florida is serious about law and order,” said Commissioner Simpson. “And this certification helps our officers take action when they encounter individuals breaking the law.”
The 287(g) program, run by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, gives specially trained local officers the authority to identify and detain individuals who violate immigration law—boosting coordination between state and federal agencies.
Colonel Lee Adams, who leads the state’s ag law enforcement unit, says it strengthens an already capable team: “This certification ensures our officers have the training, resources, and authority they need.”
OALE operates over 20 inspection stations statewide, checking vehicles around the clock to protect Florida agriculture—and now, they’re equipped to do even more.
Learn more at FDACS.gov.
