NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)August 16, 2026Hillsborough County
Florida law enforcement collects and stores personal data in centralized immigration database
Photo: WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)
Florida law enforcement officers are gathering personal information, including names, photographs, and addresses, from individuals suspected of being undocumented. This data is being uploaded into a centralized state-run database.
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)Why It Matters
Residents suspected of being status may have their personal identifying information and location data stored in a state-wide system accessible to law enforcement.
Key Facts
- Florida law enforcement officers are actively collecting personal data on individuals suspected of being undocumented.
- Collected data includes names, photographs, and residential addresses.
- All gathered information is uploaded to a centralized state-wide database.
- The scope of individuals identified by law enforcement includes a broad range of demographics, such as grandmothers, landscapers, and children.
Who's Mentioned
PersonRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida”PersonPaul Chavez“Attorney for Americans for Immigrant Justice”locationFlorida“The state where the data collection policy is being implemented.”PersonJean Gustave“Individual with temporary protected status stopped by police”PersonBob Gualtieri“Pinellas County Sheriff and board member”OrganizationState Board of Immigration Enforcement“Oversees state immigration enforcement”PersonMatthew Blackwell“Manatee County Sheriff’s deputy”OrganizationICE“Federal immigration enforcement agency”PersonMelissa Bujeda“FDLE official coordinating immigration work”OrganizationFlorida Department of Law Enforcement“Manages the immigration surveillance database”