Full Breakdown
ICE’s 287(g) Program in Walton County, Florida: Local Enforcement, Funding and Community Impact
8/14/2026, 10:35:47 PM
Core Event
Walton County’s sheriff’s office has entered a 287(g) partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Under the agreement, officers—including Sergeant Oscar D’Lassalas, a certified 287(g) task-force member—are deputized to interrogate, collect evidence and make immigration arrests when they encounter individuals suspected of being in the United States illegally. The county also operates a 72-hour ICE holding facility in a portion of its jail, for which the federal government reimburses $72 per detainee per day.
Background & Context
The 287(g) program, created 30 years ago, allows local agencies to enforce selected federal immigration provisions. All 67 Florida counties have signed 287(g) agreements, according to the Florida Sheriffs Association.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
He adds that the program is “a matter of duty” and that cooperation with ICE “pays off” through federal reimbursements.
Criticism & Opposition
Sam Lester, an immigrant-rights attorney with the ACLU of Florida, argues that the training provided under 287(g) agreements is insufficient. He cites instances where U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who speak with accents have been profiled, questioned about immigration status and, in some cases, arrested.
On-the-Ground Reports
Alfonso, a 36-year-old undocumented construction worker, says he now avoids church and the beach to reduce the risk of detention. His cousin Ronaldo, also undocumented, describes the county as feeling “like jail” and says he is “afraid” that ICE could send him back to Central America, a country where he sees “no opportunities.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree on the adequacy of 287(g) training: the sheriff’s office claims the 40-hour online course is sufficient, while the ACLU attorney contends it leaves officers ill-prepared and prone to racial profiling. No independent audit of training outcomes is cited.
Verbatim Quotes
> “To me, it was just another way to help out as much as I can in my community,” — Oscar D’Lassalas, Sergeant, Walton County Sheriff’s Office
> “We do not tolerate employers who retaliate against workers for asserting their rights or reporting violations,” — Heather Campbell, immigration lawyer
What’s Next
The $9 million grant awarded this summer will fund the expansion of Walton County’s ICE holding capacity. No public timetable has been provided for additional training revisions or oversight mechanisms, leaving the community uncertain about how the program will evolve under continued federal incentives.
