ICE Orders Local Authorities to Remain Silent About Raids in Florida and Texas

ICE limits public information

Florida expands immigration agreements

Texas strengthens federal cooperation

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reportedly instructed local police agencies in Florida and Texas not to disclose information regarding their participation in immigration raids, according to documents cited by The Florida Trib and Two Can Be True.

The directive could limit transparency surrounding collaboration between local agencies and federal immigration authorities during operations carried out under the administration of President Donald Trump.

According to the reports, ICE sent emails to law enforcement agencies participating in 287(g) agreements with the federal government.

These agreements allow local police departments to directly assist with immigration-related enforcement functions.

The messages were reportedly sent between April 19 and May 5.

According to the reports, ICE warned local authorities that information obtained through these agreements remains “under ICE control.”

The agency also stated that such information cannot be disclosed without prior federal authorization.

The emails reportedly instructed local agencies to consult ICE before responding to public records requests or media inquiries.

ICE seeks tighter control over public information about operations

“ICE asks police departments in Florida and Texas not to speak publicly about their role in immigration raids, according to media reports.” https://t.co/llnKhPhWbG

— Diario El Mundo (@ElMundoSV) May 11, 2026

According to EFE, the directive specifically references situations in which public disclosure of information could occur.

These include press conferences, official statements, media ride-alongs, social media posts, and responses to requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

“Please keep this in mind, particularly in situations where dissemination of information may occur,” the email quoted by The Florida Trib and Two Can Be True reportedly stated.

According to the outlets, the memorandum could effectively prevent local agencies from answering basic questions regarding their role in immigration operations.

That would include information related to how many local officers participated in specific raids.

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The reports also indicate that the guidelines could conflict with state transparency laws.

In Florida, for example, the reports referenced the so-called Florida Sunshine Law, which governs public access to government documents and information.

The measure emerges amid growing cooperation between local authorities and ICE across several states in an effort to maintain raid secrecy.

Florida and Texas have become two of the leading states promoting these immigration agreements.

Florida leads immigration agreements with ICE

ICE raid secrecy policy – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

ICE acknowledged last September that Florida had significantly expanded partnerships under the 287(g) program.

According to the agency, the state had 325 active agreements.

ICE stated that the figure represented a 577% increase since January 20, 2025.

Republican Governor Ron DeSantis approved legislation requiring city and county authorities to sign 287(g) agreements.

As a result of that law, agencies such as the Miami Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol now participate in immigration enforcement activities.

Texas has also expanded cooperation with ICE.

The state approved SB 8, legislation requiring sheriffs in all counties to establish agreements under the 287(g) program.

According to Texas Policy Research, Texas currently has 299 such agreements.

That places the state among those with the highest number of active immigration agreements in the United States.

Debate grows over transparency and immigration enforcement

The newly reported directive has added pressure to the national debate surrounding immigration and government transparency.

Criticism focuses on how much information local agencies are permitted to share with the public regarding immigration operations.

The issue also draws attention to the scope of 287(g) agreements and the role of local police departments in carrying out federal immigration enforcement tasks.

Florida and Texas continue consolidating their positions as key components of the immigration strategy promoted by the Trump administration.