Sheriff Bob Gualtieri Meeting with UNIMEX about Immigration: June 17, 2025
Over the past few months, our organization has received numerous inquiries regarding ICE and immigration activities in our region. On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri met with UNIMEX to discuss recent conversations between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (PCSO).
Important takeaways from the meeting include:
PCSO & Law Enforcement Cooperation with ICE
Sheriff Bob Gualtieri stated that their main concern is with criminals in jail and that they are not currently making major movements regarding immigration issues.
They emphasized that many problems related to immigration stem from the federal government, and while they will assist ICE, they are not functioning as ICE themselves. They are not actively "chasing people down" or conducting raids.
Are deputies involved in making or participating in arrests based solely on civil immigration warrants?
It is important to note immigration laws, deportation, and related federal matters fall under the jurisdiction of federal authorities and federal courts, not local law enforcement. To our knowledge, state and county courts do not address immigration issues; they handle criminal matters, regardless of a person’s immigration status.
The Sheriff stated that when ICE requests their cooperation, they are instructed to provide a uniform presence, though this happens infrequently (estimated at 2-3 times this year).
They noted that ICE's presence is not as visible because they primarily cooperate with the jail, unlike some counties around Pinellas.
How does your office handle immigration detainers from ICE?
ICE agents are presently allowed access to our jails.
Federal Agents, Law Enforcement and Rights Violations
Does your office have a policy to prevent discrimination against immigrants or those perceived to be non-citizens?
When asked about federal agents potentially overstepping their rights, particularly concerning racial profiling or minor traffic violations leading to arrests regardless of legal status, the Sheriff indicated that this is not within their purview and largely originates from Border Patrol. They acknowledged that federal agents are putting people into custody
Assistance for Rights Violations and Domestic Violence
911 Calls for ICE Encounters: If an encounter is truly with ICE, the Sheriff's Office stated they cannot intervene or be involved. They clarified that ICE agents are not always required to have a warrant depending on the circumstances, and they can make arrests based on probable cause. ICE also contracts transporters and does not use untrained agents for raids.
Warrants and Credentials: While individuals can ask ICE for credentials, agents are not required to show a warrant.
Cooperation with ICE in Florida: In Florida, all law enforcement agencies and workers are required to cooperate with ICE.
Reporting Domestic Violence: Individuals can safely report domestic violence without worrying about their documentation status being the primary concern. The abuser (e.g., the husband) would be taken to jail and could face deportation if undocumented, but the victim (e.g., the wife) would most likely not be asked about their legal status. People with civil offenses are not commonly deported. Racial discrimination can be reported anonymously through their website.
ICE in Public vs Private Spaces
How does the situation change in private vs public spaces?
ICE can enter areas open to the general public (dining area, parking lot, waiting room) of a business without permission.
PCSO and local police are not consistently notified in advance about ICE raids in either public or private locations.
In some instances, ICE will not provide prior notification of a raid but may later request uniformed assistance from PCSO or local police during the operation.
Separation of Children & Families
What happens when children and families are separated by ICE?
The priority is to place them with a family member if a suitable one can be found. If not, Children will be taken into the child welfare system, often by the Florida Department of Children and Families (Florida DCF) and will be placed in foster care.
Public Statement & Town Hall Request to Speak About Immigration with the Hispanic Community
Will you publicly address your stance on ICE and immigration laws in Pinellas County, and consider an immigration town hall with the Hispanic community?
At this time, the Sheriff does not have plans for a public address or town hall on these specific topics. However, Sheriff Gualtieri has extended an offer to meet directly with UNIMEX to address any questions, and we welcome ongoing communication to provide any necessary clarification.
