Florida Interstate Ride-Along Offers Rare Inside Look at Illegal Immigrant Captures

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Local authorities in Florida are stepping up their collaboration with federal immigration agencies in response to calls from the Trump administration to crack down on illegal immigration. The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office (SJSO) is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Border Patrol, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to target illegal immigrants and disrupt human smuggling and sex-trafficking operations.

Fox News Digital gained an inside look at these efforts by riding along with the SJSO task force, a group of about 20-25 officers from various local, state, and federal agencies. Led by Sgt. Bobby Kukar, the team conducts weekly operations along the busy Interstate 95 corridor.

Before the operation began, Sheriff Robert Hardwick emphasized the importance of officers having probable cause before making traffic stops. Lt. Jessica Hines echoed this, explaining how building a case against suspected migrants requires a solid legal foundation. This isn't just a random fishing expedition—it's a calculated effort to enforce the law.

During one stop, officers pulled over two brothers from Colombia for speeding. Without valid driver's licenses or documentation, the duo quickly raised suspicion. Border Patrol Chief Matthew Zetts arrived on the scene and used verification software to confirm their illegal status. Through further questioning, authorities suspected the brothers might be involved in drug trafficking.

As officers inspected the vehicle, repeated screw holes on the bumper hinted at possible tampering—a sign the car may have been modified to conceal illicit substances. Sgt. Kukar explained that such details often indicate hidden drug compartments. Adding to the intrigue, a trained K-9 unit immediately alerted to the presence of drugs, prompting officials to seize the vehicle for further investigation.

The brothers were placed under an ICE detainer and transported to ICE's Jacksonville field office. This operation provided a snapshot of how local and federal authorities are working together to tackle illegal immigration and associated crimes, aligning with the White House's pledge to strengthen border security.

Under Sheriff Hardwick's leadership, St. Johns County's task force has ramped up its efforts since President Trump's election. The county participates in the 287(g) program, which empowers state and local law enforcement to perform certain immigration enforcement duties, including identifying and detaining suspected illegal immigrants. Hardwick has been clear about his mission to prioritize public safety, saying his team will pursue "the worst of the worst," whether they're illegal immigrants or U.S. citizens.

As Hardwick bluntly put it, "If you are wanted—whether you're an illegal alien or a citizen of the United States—we are going to hunt you down to find you and hold you accountable for your actions." It's a bold statement that reflects the no-nonsense approach of Florida's law enforcement in this heightened era of immigration enforcement.

Fox News Digital has reached out to ICE and DHS for additional comments.