Florida Sheriff Breaks Ranks, Smacks Down ‘Conservative’ Police Calling For Amnesty

Not every Florida sheriff is lining up behind Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd’s take on immigration enforcement.

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters is drawing a clear line.

“I was not on the call referenced and do not share or endorse the comments made by others,” Waters said. “Our focus remains on enforcing the law and continuing our mission to make Jacksonville a safer place for all residents.”

Waters was responding to remarks Judd and others made during a State Immigration Enforcement Council meeting, first reported by the Florida Phoenix.

Judd, a longtime hardliner on immigration, vented frustration with Washington’s inaction.

“While Congress sits on their hands and does nothing about this, we are on the ground floor with this day in and day out — looking in the eyes of these folks that, yes, came here inappropriately. But some came here inappropriately only to do better for themselves and their family,” Judd said.

He also said he plans to press top Republicans for answers, including President Donald Trump, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, about where federal enforcement stands.

Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell backed that sentiment, urging lawmakers to act while acknowledging the reality on the ground.

“I wholeheartedly agree that Congress, they need to get off their butts and they need to fix it,” Prummell said. “We’re not out … just raiding business and homes, but, unfortunately, when ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) gets involved, you have the collaterals.”

Waters, however, stressed that Jacksonville isn’t waiting on Washington.

“As Sheriff, I want to reaffirm that our agency has and always will work hand-in-hand with our state and federal partners to uphold the laws and priorities established by our elected leaders,” he said.

Duval County Sheriff TK Waters

He pointed to Duval County’s long-standing role in immigration enforcement, noting the local program predates recent state mandates.

“We have participated in illegal immigration enforcement long before it was mandated for other Florida counties. The 287(g) program was established in Duval County in 2008. In the past two years alone, we have processed 1,289 illegal immigrants for removal proceedings, all of whom committed crimes in our county.”

Mass deportations, regardless of criminal record, remain highly popular among Republican voters.

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