Niceville deputies will be authorized to carry out ICE functions after the City Council unanimously approved a motion to enter into the federal 287(g) program at Tuesday’s meeting.
According to the American Immigration Council, authorized actions include, but are not limited to:
- Interviewing individuals regarding their immigration status
- Checking Department of Homeland Security databases and entering information into ICE’s database
- Detaining/holding individuals before ICE takes custody
- Making recommendations of deportation instead of formal legal proceedings
The program, part of ICE’s Immigration and Nationality Act, requires participating officers to “receive adequate training, adhere to applicable federal law, and perform only the powers and duties stated in the written agreement under federal direction and supervision,” according to the Niceville City Council’s Ordinance No. 26-10-01.
Under the 287(g) program, Niceville Police Chief Mark Hayse will retain jurisdiction over participating personnel selection, training and policy enforcement. However, the agreement allows local law enforcement to receive funding help through grants and reimbursements.
“The precise fiscal impact depends on the number of officers selected,” according to the City Council’s staff memorandum. “Potential City costs may include salary and overtime, travel, equipment, information technology, records administration, and legal or policy review. However, these expenses are fully reimbursed.”
In October 2025, the Fort Walton Beach Police Department received $152 thousand under the 287(g) program for a new police vehicle and officer equipment. However, Major Steve Harlow said the program “won’t change how we [FWBPD] police the city.”
In fact, Chief Robert Bage told Mid Bay News last October that at that time, FWBPD had only made one immigration-related arrest under the 287(g) program, from Feb.-Oct. 2025.
Niceville’s City Council did not address what the program agreement will mean for the city’s enforcement levels, but Mid Bay News contacted NPD and will update this story with a statement once received.
