Brevard County, Florida Adopts Anti-Sanctuary Policy

Brevard County commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution that prevents the county from developing, endorsing or enforcing “policies which knowingly prohibit or impede communication or cooperation with a federal immigration agency with respect to federal immigration enforcement.” Commissioner John Tobia, the resolution’s sponsor, said it was important to declare Brevard a ‘non-sanctuary county’ following the City of Orlando’s decision to prohibit officers from asking people about their immigration status. 

The resolution also prevents the county from “limiting or preventing a state entity, local governmental entity or law enforcement agency from lawfully complying with an immigration detainer; initiating an immigration status investigation; or assisting or cooperating with a federal immigration officer as reasonable or necessary.”

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, who supported the measure, said no changes in sheriff’s office procedures are necessary under the resolution because his office already works with ICE. In March, Ivey signed a “basic ordering agreement” that allows ICE agents to interview inmates to determine their immigration status. His office also holds suspected illegal aliens for up to an additional 48 hours after they post bond while their immigration status is investigated. 31 inmates have been held for status checks since Ivey signed the agreement with ICE.

In July, the Brevard County Commission adopted a resolution asking the Florida Attorney General join a lawsuit by a coalition of states challenging DACA.

Read more in Florida Today.