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NewsCreative Loafing Tampa BaySeptember 1, 2026Hillsborough

Pinellas County Human Rights Board considers investigation into Sheriff's immigrant detention practices

The Pinellas County Human Rights Board is evaluating whether to launch an investigation into Sheriff Bob Gualtieri regarding reports of unconventional immigrant detention procedures. The inquiry follows allegations that the jail resets 72-hour detention limits by releasing and rebooking immigrants into federal custody.

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Why It Matters

The potential investigation could change oversight procedures for local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration detention policies in Pinellas County.

Key Facts

  • The Pinellas County Human Rights Board is reviewing options to investigate Sheriff Bob Gualtieri.
  • The review is prompted by a ProPublica investigation into immigrant detention practices at the Pinellas County jail.
  • The report alleges the jail uses a 'rebooking' process to reset 72-hour detention time limits.
  • The process involves releasing individuals into federal custody and immediately rebooking them into the county jail.

Who's Mentioned

locationPinellas County“Jurisdiction of the board and sheriff”personRené Flowers“County Commissioner and Board Chair”organizationPinellas County Human Rights Board“The board considering the investigation.”organizationProPublica“The news organization that published the initial report.”personBob Gualtieri“Sheriff of Pinellas County”organizationU.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement“Federal agency involved in detention”personBrittany Leclair“Pastor at First United Methodist Church of Pinellas Park”organizationLeague of Women Voters“Advocacy group requesting investigation”other287(g)“Agreement allowing local law enforcement to perform federal immigration duties”