Multiple Florida universities look to deputize campus police to expand immigration enforcement

New York Post - Apr 14th, 2025

Campus police departments at three public universities in Florida are pursuing agreements with the federal government to deputize their officers for immigration enforcement. This move aligns with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' initiative to bolster federal immigration enforcement across the state. Florida Atlantic University, the University of Florida, and the University of South Florida have expressed their intention to join the ICE's 287(g) program, which grants local officers certain immigration enforcement powers. These powers include interrogating individuals about their immigration status and making arrests without warrants in specific situations.

The broader context of this development is tied to President Trump's aggressive immigration crackdown, which has recently included revoking visas for international students over minor infractions. The 287(g) program enables local law enforcement to participate in immigration policing, with Florida universities being at the forefront of this initiative. The implications of this move are significant, as it may lead to increased scrutiny and potential legal challenges, particularly from students and civil rights groups concerned about the expansion of immigration enforcement on campuses. The involvement of campus police in immigration matters raises questions about the balance between educational environments and law enforcement priorities.

Ron De Santis Trump Administration Immigration Enforcement Florida Universities Ice 287(g) Program Campus Police

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.2

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant examination of the intersection between immigration enforcement and educational institutions in Florida. It accurately identifies key players and policies involved but could improve in presenting a balanced view by incorporating perspectives from critics and affected communities. The reliance on a limited range of sources and lack of detailed explanation of technical terms slightly undermines its credibility and clarity. Overall, the story effectively highlights a controversial issue with significant public interest, though it could benefit from a more comprehensive exploration of the ethical and legal dimensions. The potential impact on public opinion and policy discussions is notable, given the ongoing debates over immigration and the role of state institutions in federal enforcement efforts.

Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims that align with known events and policies, such as the involvement of Florida universities in seeking deputization for immigration enforcement and the use of the 287(g) program. However, the claim that federal officials have revoked visas for minor infractions like speeding tickets requires further verification, as this could be an exaggeration or misrepresentation of the actual criteria for visa revocation. Additionally, the story correctly identifies the universities involved but should provide more precise details on the status and specifics of their agreements with federal agencies.

Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of the universities and state officials supporting immigration enforcement initiatives, with limited representation of opposing views. The lack of input from student organizations, civil rights groups, or legal experts who might challenge these measures suggests an imbalance. Including these perspectives could provide a more comprehensive view of the potential implications and controversies surrounding the deputization of campus police for immigration enforcement.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and structured logically, with a straightforward presentation of facts and claims. However, the language could be more precise in distinguishing between confirmed actions and intentions or proposals, particularly regarding the universities' status in the 287(g) program. The use of technical terms like 'deputization' and '287(g) program' without sufficient explanation might confuse readers unfamiliar with immigration enforcement policies.

Source quality

The article attributes information to representatives from the universities involved and mentions the Associated Press as a source. However, it lacks direct quotes from federal officials or documentation from the 287(g) program itself, which would strengthen the credibility of the claims. The reliance on a single spokesperson from Florida Atlantic University for a statement on state-wide policy might not fully capture the complexity of the situation.

Transparency

The article provides some context about the 287(g) program and its enforcement models, but it could benefit from a clearer explanation of the process by which universities enter these agreements and the potential legal and ethical implications. There is no discussion of potential conflicts of interest or the methodology behind the claims, which would enhance transparency and allow readers to better assess the information presented.