CLERMONT, Fla. \u2014 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the State of Florida held their inaugural Homeland Security Awards Ceremony, Wednesday.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday\u2019s ceremony highlights the strength of our partnership with Florida and recognizes the outstanding individuals whose dedication keeps our communities safe,\u201d said Mr. Steven Munoz, Homeland Security Advisor to the Coast Guard. \u201cTogether, we serve as a force multiplier and set the standard for effective homeland security collaboration.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cFighting back against the illegal immigration crisis has been a top priority of the State of Florida, and our success speaks for itself,\u201d said Blaise Ingoglia, chief financial officer for the State of Florida. \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Awards recognized counter-narcotics excellence, significant criminal interdictions, most impactful arrests, excellence in mission support, interagency collaboration, and excellence in leadership.<\/p>\n
State and Federal partners represented in the ceremony:<\/p>\n
The Florida National Guard<\/p>\n
Florida Sheriffs Association<\/p>\n
Florida Police Chiefs Association<\/p>\n
Bay County Sheriff\u2019s Office<\/p>\n
Collier County Sheriff\u2019s Office<\/p>\n
Miami-Dade County Sheriff\u2019s Office<\/p>\n
Monroe County Sheriff\u2019s Office<\/p>\n
Orange County Sheriff\u2019s Office<\/p>\n
St. Johns County Sheriff\u2019s Office<\/p>\n
Lee County Sheriff\u2019s Office<\/p>\n
Florida Department of Law Enforcement<\/p>\n
Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission<\/p>\n
Florida Division of Emergency Management<\/p>\n
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue<\/p>\n
Florida Highway Patrol<\/p>\n
CBP \u2013 United States Border Patrol<\/p>\n
CBP \u2013 Air and Marine Operations<\/p>\n
CBP \u2013 Office of Field Operations<\/p>\n
ICE \u2013 Enforcement and Removal Operations<\/p>\n
ICE \u2013 Homeland Security Investigations<\/p>\n
United States Coast Guard<\/p>\n
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services<\/p>\n
Department of Transportation<\/p>\n
Social Security Administration<\/p>\n
The U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office<\/p>\n
Drug Enforcement Agency<\/p>\n
Federal Bureau of Investigations<\/p>\n
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms<\/p>\n
U.S. Marshals Service<\/p>\n
Department of State<\/p>\n
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