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NewsSuncoast SearchlightAugust 14, 2026Sarasota County

Florida tracks thousands in state-run immigration surveillance database

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) requires local police to photograph and log personal data of individuals suspected of being undocumented into a centralized state database. This system, launched in August 2025, includes over 30,000 entries and is tied to state grant funding for local law enforcement agencies.

immigrationlaw enforcementsurveillancecivil rightsdata privacy
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Why It Matters

Residents, including those with legal status, may be entered into a state surveillance database based solely on an officer's suspicion, with no requirement for criminal charges or supervisor verification.

Key Facts

  • The database contains over 30,000 entries of individuals suspected of being undocumented.
  • Reporting is required for all local law enforcement agencies, including university police and wildlife officers.
  • Data collected includes photographs, home addresses, vehicle details, phone numbers, and employer information.
  • Entries are submitted by officers based on 'reasonable suspicion' without supervisor review.
  • The system is linked to state grant funding, incentivizing local agencies to participate.
  • The database includes hundreds of minors.
  • The vast majority of individuals logged in the database have no prior criminal convictions.
  • The FDLE has not disclosed how long the data is kept or with whom it is shared.
  • The system does not track whether individuals are ultimately deported or if ICE was involved.
  • The Florida Highway Patrol was a top contributor to the database before June 30, 2025.

Who's Mentioned

personJean Gustave“A 45-year-old Haitian man with Temporary Protected Status who was logged in the ”personMelissa Bujeda“FDLE official who coordinated the implementation of the reporting system with lo”organizationFlorida Department of Law Enforcement“Manages the centralized immigration surveillance database.”personPaul Chavez“Civil rights attorney with Americans for Immigrant Justice.”organizationFlorida State Board of Immigration Control“Created in 2025 to oversee immigration enforcement efforts.”