Email Records: High Springs Police Chief Told ICE Contractor Agency is Limited on Immigration Enforcement
On May 14, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Contractor Cesar Bacares sent the following email to HSPD:
"Good afternoon ICE 287g Partner Agency:
We are requesting the following information from your agency participating in the 287g TFM in Florida. Please provide by 12 ET on Friday 5/16/2025
Name of your agency-
Do you plan on using 287g authority to execute ICE targets?
Do you plan to use delegated authority on chance encounters?
Have a specialized unit dedicated to 287g?
How many officers do you anticipate participating in the program?
For Officers participating in the TFM, have any also been deputized by the USMS? If so, please provide a count of officers deputized by USMS and participating in 287g TF."
HSPD Chief J. Antoine Sheppard responded:
"Name of your agency: High Springs Police Department
Do you plan on using 287(g) authority to execute ICE targets?
No. The High Springs Police Department does not plan to use 287(g) authority to execute ICE targets. As a small agency with limited resources, our priority is equipping our officers to comply with legal obligations while maintaining effective collaboration with our federal partners. Any participation will be measured and within the bounds of our operational capacity.
Do you plan to use delegated authority on chance encounters?
Yes. In accordance with lawful procedures and under proper authority, our officers may utilize delegated 287(g) authority during chance encounters when appropriate and legally justified.
Do you have a specialized unit dedicated to 287(g)?
No. The High Springs Police Department does not maintain a specialized unit solely dedicated to 287(g) operations.
How many officers do you anticipate participating in the program?
14 officers. This includes sworn personnel who may be trained under the Task Force Model to support lawful enforcement actions as needed.
For officers participating in the TFM, have any also been deputized by the USMS?
At this time, none of the officers participating in the 287(g) Task Force Model have been deputized by the United States Marshals Service (USMS)."
