CLERMONT, Fla. — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the State of Florida held their inaugural Homeland Security Awards Ceremony, Wednesday.
The event recognized local, state and federal partnerships, as well as individuals nominated for their contribution during joint operations to protect our nation and safeguard the State of Florida over the past year. These operations include but are not limited to Operation Vigilant Sentry, Operation Tidal Wave, Operation At Large, and Operation Stonegarden.
“Today’s ceremony highlights the strength of our partnership with Florida and recognizes the outstanding individuals whose dedication keeps our communities safe,” said Mr. Steven Munoz, Homeland Security Advisor to the Coast Guard. “Together, we serve as a force multiplier and set the standard for effective homeland security collaboration.”
The model partnership between DHS and State of Florida law enforcement agencies has resulted in more than 20,000 arrests of dangerous criminal illegal aliens, more than 2,300 deportations through voluntary departures, and the disruption of numerous terrorist and trafficking organizations throughout the state of Florida. These seamless partnerships keep the State of Florida and communities nationwide safer.
“Fighting back against the illegal immigration crisis has been a top priority of the State of Florida, and our success speaks for itself,” said Blaise Ingoglia, chief financial officer for the State of Florida. “We have empowered our law enforcement agencies with the tools and resources they need to keep their communities safe, and we have ensured that they are able to work seamlessly with the federal government to remove illegal immigrants from our streets. While other states have allowed illegal immigration to wreak havoc on their communities, Florida will continue to be the law and order state.”
These joint state and federal operations focus on interdicting significant narcotics seizures, disruption of major trafficking organizations, interdiction of illegal maritime migration, interdiction of high threat individuals including suspected terrorists, gang members and individuals with significant criminal histories, as well as information sharing that facilitates operational success and threat prevention that impacts the State of Florida.
Awards recognized counter-narcotics excellence, significant criminal interdictions, most impactful arrests, excellence in mission support, interagency collaboration, and excellence in leadership.
State and Federal partners represented in the ceremony:
The Florida National Guard
Florida Sheriffs Association
Florida Police Chiefs Association
Bay County Sheriff’s Office
Collier County Sheriff’s Office
Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
Orange County Sheriff’s Office
St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office
Lee County Sheriff’s Office
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
Florida Highway Patrol
CBP – United States Border Patrol
CBP – Air and Marine Operations
CBP – Office of Field Operations
ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations
ICE – Homeland Security Investigations
United States Coast Guard
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Department of Transportation
Social Security Administration
The U.S. Attorney’s Office
Drug Enforcement Agency
Federal Bureau of Investigations
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
U.S. Marshals Service
Department of State
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