Walton County Sheriff's Office partners with ICE to detain immigrants

In Florida, the Walton County Sheriff's Office has been actively involved in immigration enforcement through the 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to collaborate with federal immigration authorities. This program has been in place for 30 years, but its implementation has intensified recently, particularly under the Trump administration, which expedited training for law enforcement agencies. The Walton County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Michael Adkinson, has signed agreements with ICE, including a deal to convert part of its jail into a holding facility for immigrant detainees. This facility can accommodate about 48 beds for a 72-hour hold period. The State Board of Immigration Enforcement has supported this initiative with over $9 million in grants to the sheriff's office for its role as an ICE holding facility. The local community has mixed feelings about this cooperation; while some residents support the sheriff's office's actions, others, particularly within the immigrant population, feel threatened and anxious about the increased enforcement. D'Lassalas, a sergeant with the sheriff's office, emphasizes that his duty is to the local community, and he interacts with individuals regardless of their immigration status. However, he also acknowledges that if there is a warrant for someone's detention, he has no discretion but to act. This duality of purpose creates a complex environment in Walton County, where law enforcement's role in immigration enforcement is both a source of community support and fear.