JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez has appointed Duval County Sheriff T.K. Waters to serve on the State Immigration Enforcement Council, citing his lengthy career as a law enforcement officer and “robust community outreach and engagement” as primary reasoning for the decision.
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Waters was appointed alongside Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell.
“Sheriff Waters and Sheriff Prummell are dedicated law enforcement leaders who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to public safety,” said Speaker Perez. “Their extensive experience and leadership will be invaluable as Florida continues to take strong, decisive action to enforce immigration laws and protect our citizens.”
DeSantis spoke in Jacksonville alongside Waters last month before the new package of bills addressing immigration penalties in Florida was signed.
The sheriff was supportive of DeSantis’ efforts.
“It’s not just immigration, it’s illegal immigration. I stress that it’s not immigration, it’s illegal immigration. That’s the problem. I don’t think anyone on this panel has an issue with legal immigrants,” Waters said. “I’m thankful that we have a strong legislature. We have the best government in the entire country, and I know that what needs to get done is going to get done. We have the issues to back it up. We understand the situation here in our county to back up what we’re talking about.”
The State Immigration Enforcement Council, an entity signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Feb. 13, is tasked with assisting the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, made up of the governor and Cabinet, by providing insight regarding the enforcement of the federal immigration law. According to the House Speaker’s office, responsibilities include:
- Advising the Board on the efforts of local law enforcement agencies.
- Requesting guidance from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for training opportunities and strategies to further federal 287(g) program participation.
- Provide recommendations on financial resources necessary to aid local law enforcement agencies.
- Provide recommendations to enhance information sharing.
- Provide recommendations on strategies to increase the number of available detention beds for use by ICE.
“The devastating impacts of illegal immigration can be seen here in Jacksonville and across our state,” Waters said in a statement released Monday. ”I am honored by Speaker Perez’s confidence in me and eager to get to work ensuring Florida provides President Trump the support he needs as he continues to secure our borders and restore safety and security for the American people.”
The Council is comprised of eight members, including four police chiefs appointed by the governor and Cabinet, and four sheriffs, with the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House each appointing two.
