OCSO IMMIGRATION ACTION OUTLINE

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has an obligation to inform the public about its activities regarding illegal immigration. Our policy of not conducting “round-ups” has, it appears, caused some to believe we are doing nothing about the issue. On the contrary, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has been very active in immigration enforcement to the extent the law allows. Here are some examples of our activities.

1. We hosted two region-wide training events to train law enforcement personnel on identification and investigation of international street gangs, such as MS-13.

2. We hosted two region-wide training classes on recognition and investigation of human trafficking, and hosted the statewide conference on human trafficking.

3. We have conducted several internal training sessions on domestic security topics, including false identification.

4. In June of last year we distributed internal bulletins advising deputies of their authority to question persons on their immigration status and how to report them to immigration officials for follow-up.

5. Sheriff’s Office investigations led to identification and arrest of 15 illegal alien gang members (MS-13 and Mexican Mafia) members, who were transferred to federal custody for detention and deportation processing.

6. A Sheriff’s Office investigation resulted in the arrest of an illegal alien who was on terrorist watch list. This person was transferred to federal custody for detention and deportation processing.

7. Sheriff’s Office investigations have led to major international or multi-state federal investigations of visa and immigration-related crimes.

8. During the period August 2003 to August 2007, we filed 537 intelligence reports with federal authorities, concerning organized alien smuggling, harboring illegals for financial gain, immigration fraud, and human trafficking.

9. Sheriff’s Office investigations led to federal prosecution and/or deportation processing of over 51 illegal aliens for re-entry after deportation and use of false immigration documents.

10. Over 500 illegal aliens were arrested in the last 12 months on various state charges. These were reported to immigration for follow-up.

11. The Sheriff’s Office purchased and distributed booklets on identification of US and international identification cards.

12. Sheriff’s Office investigations have led to arrests and federal prosecution of illegal aliens operating or involved in narcotics trafficking rings.

Sheriff Morris is a member of the Florida Domestic Security Oversight Council and is Co-Chair of the Northwest Florida Domestic Security Task Force. Additionally, he is on the Legislative Committee of the Florida Sheriff’s Association. His participation in these activities provides Okaloosa County a voice in policy recommendations that go forward to state and federal law makers.

For example, both the Domestic Security Oversight Council and the Florida Sheriff’s Association have taken positions on the need for increased immigration enforcement and have made these positions known to our state and federal elected officials.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is committed to working with our federal colleagues to assist them in carrying out the federal responsibility of immigration enforcement. Our methods must conform to the law and constitutional principles, for this is the only way to help ensure criminal aliens are successfully prosecuted.