Pinellas Co. FL - Vigil for Immigrant Justice & to End 287(g)

**Join our Freedom Vigil, organized by faith leaders and people of conscience in solidarity with neighbors and community members impacted by ICE detention and deportation.** This all ages event will feature community speakers, reflection, and opportunities to take action. Bring a sign and stand with us as we build public pressure for dignity, justice, and freedom for immigrants and call to END 287(g). Our voices are stronger together. ### Is ICE active in Florida? YES. Florida [leads the nation](https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/miami-number-1-in-ice-arrests/) in arrests leading to detention and deportation. Florida has nearly 100% coverage ICE coverage operating through 287(g) agreements. Nearly 98% of Florida State Highway troopers are tasked to perform ICE functions and all 67 Sheriff’s departments now operate with ICE authority via 287(g) agreements. ### If ICE is here, why haven't I seen them? 287(g) agreements. Immigration enforcement here “looks” different than in places like Minnesota due to 287(g) agreements, which train our local officers to act as federal ICE agents. Every local police department in Pinellas County has a 287(g) agreement. ### Are 287(g) agreements mandated? No. While Florida’s SB 1808 mandates jail participation for sheriffs, no municipal police department has such a legal obligation. Their participation in **287(g) is a voluntary, local choice that can be rescinded at any time.** 287(g) agreements are not a federal mandate. Consequently, municipal 287(g) participation in Pinellas County is a local choice, not a federal requirement—leaving the power to participate entirely in the hands of our state legislators and city leaders. Routine traffic enforcement for minor infractions like tinted windows or broken lights has become the primary point of contact leading to immigration detention. As of January 2026, 74.2% of all ICE detainees had no criminal record; in Florida, 67% of ICE arrests originate in local facilities following these initia