Blaise Ingoglia reimburses 7 Panhandle law enforcement agencies for immigration work

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia distributed more than $1.5 million in federal reimbursement funds to seven Panhandle law enforcement agencies that have stepped up immigration enforcement.

Ingoglia held a news conference in Panama City where he presented ceremonial checks to the agencies. Ingoglia also praised President Donald Trump for prioritizing immigration enforcement while still blaming former President Joe Biden for an influx of undocumented migrants in America.

“This is something that has plagued this nation for the better part of several years,” Ingoglia said.

He added that he’s tired of critics of immigration enforcement who are unhappy with how undocumented migrants are being treated.

“These (law enforcement) guys treat everyone with respect,” Ingoglia said. “But if you’re here illegally, expect your ass to get sent home. … The biggest deterrent we could ever have is strong law enforcement.”

Bay County Sheriff’s Office is one of the Northwest Florida agencies that got a check. Sheriff Tommy Ford said he has 18 personnel committed to immigration enforcement and the reimbursement makes a big difference.

“Those (operations) come at a cost and this reimbursement is very helpful,” Ford said. “That’s a real cost to our jail.”

The reimbursement checks included:

— Bay County Sheriff’s Office, $685,958.

— Walton County Sheriff’s Office, $648,805.

— Washington County Sheriff’s Office, $77,530.

— Marietta Police Department, $30,361.

— City of Blountstown Police Department, $26,055.

— Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, $24,892.

— Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, $15,701.

Monday’s immigration enforcement disbursement is the latest in about a half-dozen similar reimbursements Ingoglia has presented in the past half year.

The federal funding is distributed through the Florida State Board of Immigration Enforcement, which applies for the reimbursements. Ingoglia is a member of that Board, along with Gov. Ron DeSantis, Attorney General James Uthmeier and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.