Police departments at three Florida public universities — Florida Atlantic University, the University of Florida, and the University of South Florida — are seeking federal agreements to enforce immigration laws on campus, a move that marks a significant policy shift.
Previously considered “sensitive locations” protected from immigration enforcement, these campuses may soon join the 287(g) program, which deputizes local officers to carry out immigration duties.
FAU spokesperson Joshua Glanzer said, “We are simply following guidance from the Governor’s Feb. 19 directive,” noting that “all state schools” are expected to pursue this authority.
The push follows Governor Ron DeSantis’ alignment with former President Donald Trump’s deportation policies, including a law requiring agencies to use their “best efforts” to support federal immigration enforcement.
If approved, these universities could be among the first in the nation with campus police granted such powers, including questioning individuals about their immigration status and making warrantless arrests under certain conditions.
