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'We're not California': Florida officials pledge crackdown on doxing threats

By
Updated  June 12, 2025 12:45pm EDT
Florida
FOX 35 Orlando
Brevard County sheriff holds immigration news conference

Brevard County sheriff holds immigration news conference

Florida officials announced two major initiatives on Thursday – the appointment of an embedded ICE liaison agent, Anthony Coker, and a new program to protect ICE agents from doxing threats. The state emphasized its strong stance against illegal immigration and support for federal immigration enforcement efforts.

The Brief

    • Florida officials announced the appointment of an embedded ICE liaison and launched a new program to protect ICE agents from doxing.
    • The state reaffirmed its hardline stance on illegal immigration, protest-related violence, and support for federal enforcement under the Trump administration.
    • Florida also became one of the first states to integrate state troopers into federal immigration efforts.

TITUSVILLE, Fla. - Florida officials announced two major initiatives on Thursday – the appointment of an embedded ICE liaison agent, Anthony Coker, and a new program to protect ICE agents from doxing threats.

 The state emphasized its strong stance against illegal immigration and support for federal immigration enforcement efforts.

 Officials criticized California's handling of public safety and reaffirmed that Florida will not tolerate rioting or violent protests, citing enhanced penalties under the state's anti-riot law. 

A coordinated response team has been established to protect ICE agents and their families from intimidation tactics, including routine patrols and support from the Florida Highway Patrol. The event underscored Florida’s commitment to law and order and its refusal to adopt policies similar to those in more progressive states.

What they're saying:

"Florida is the anti-riot state, and unlike California, we support law enforcement,"Attorney General James Uthmeier said in a prepared statement. "Border Patrol and ICE agents enforcing immigration law deserve protection from leftists trying to harm them. If the left doxes these agents, we will have their backs. Whether you make the poor choice to riot or publish an agent’s personal information online to bring harm, you are committing a crime in Florida. We will find you and hold you accountable."

"Peaceful protest is part of our democracy and when it’s done right, we will make sure you have a safe environment to do it in!!" Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said. "But if you let it turn violent, you’re gonna find out real quick what Brevard County is all about as the crap you see taking place in other parts of the country ain’t gonna happen here!!"

"The only sanctuaries in Florida are to protect animals, not criminals," Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze added. "Florida is not a sanctuary state."

"Here in Florida, we're going to honor, respect and protect our federal partners and their families," said State Board of Immigration Enforcement Executive Director Larry Keefe.

Big picture view:

Under Trump's administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and federal authorities have unleashed a string of targeted operations, arresting several thousand illegal immigrants since Trump’s second term began on Jan. 20. ICE officers have been seen carrying out raids of homes, work sites and other establishments, while deportations have also ramped up.

Local perspective:

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been a strong advocate for the Trump administration's crackdown. In February, DeSantis announced a new partnership between the Florida Highway Patrol and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to enhance immigration enforcement within the state.

 The agreement authorizes Florida Highway Patrol officers to perform specific federal immigration enforcement functions. The agreement marked Florida as one of the first states to fully integrate state troopers into federal immigration efforts. In April, Jacksonville become the first city in Florida to pass an ordinance criminalizing undocumented immigration. The new legislation made it a local crime for undocumented immigrants to enter or reside in Jacksonville. First-time offenders face a mandatory 30-day jail sentence, while repeat offenders could receive up to 60 days in jail. The bill also allocates resources to help the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) identify individuals without legal status.

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The Source: This story was written on information shared by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey and other top law enforcement and immigration officials on June 12, 2025.

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