Port Richey council approves police agreement with ICE, detailing new collaboration and enforcement measures.

In a recent council meeting on April 1, 2023, the New Port Richey City Council voted 4-1 to enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), marking a significant shift in the city’s law enforcement practices. Bertell Butler IV was the sole dissenting voice, expressing concerns over the implications of the 287(g) agreement, which allows local police to act on behalf of federal immigration authorities.

The 287(g) agreement effectively extends federal immigration enforcement authority to local law enforcement, permitting police officers to receive training from ICE and report to the agency during operations in the city. Council discussions highlighted that under current law, police officers already possess the ability to detain individuals who are suspected of committing crimes, including those related to immigration status. However, the agreement necessitates a direct collaboration with ICE, which some council members argue undermines local autonomy.

Florida law, enacted in 2019, restricts municipalities from adopting “sanctuary” policies, requiring local law enforcement to verify immigration status in various circumstances. However, Butler and others questioned the state’s authority to compel municipalities to comply, emphasizing that the requirement to enter into such agreements gives the impression of an overreach by higher governmental bodies.

New Port Richey Police Chief Robert Kochen advocated for the agreement, suggesting that it would not result in local law enforcement actively seeking out undocumented immigrants but would instead facilitate cooperation with ICE concerning serious offenses. According to Kochen, officers would gain specialized training that would allow them to assist in federal immigration operations under ICE supervision.

Concerns regarding community impact and trust were prevalent during the meeting. Nonprofit organizations serving residents without inquiring about their immigration status expressed fears that collaboration with ICE could discourage individuals from seeking help. Butler articulated this apprehension, arguing that cooperation with federal immigration authorities could consistently erode trust between law enforcement and vulnerable communities.

In contrast, other council members viewed the decision as a necessary step to ensure public safety, with Mayor Chopper Davis asserting that the agreement would contribute to citizen protection and the broader enforcement of the law. However, the passing of the agreement has left some members of the community anxious about the potential repercussions for immigrant populations.

The implementation of the 287(g) agreement raises numerous questions regarding how New Port Richey will navigate its relationship with immigrants and the potential consequences for local policing strategies moving forward. As the city prepares to comply with state mandates, the conversation surrounding law enforcement’s role in immigration enforcement will undoubtedly continue.

As it stands, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, which oversees correctional facilities, has already entered into compliance with the agreement. Community stakeholders remain vigilant, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the implications such agreements hold for public trust and safety within New Port Richey and beyond.

New Port Richey has become another focal point in the ongoing dialogue about immigration policy, local governance, and community relations in the face of heightened federal enforcement activity.