Explosive leaked emails from Orange County Sheriff John Mina’s office reveal a troubling disconnect between public statements and internal practices on immigration enforcement. The bombshell revelations expose how a Democrat-leaning sheriff may have deliberately misled the public about cooperation with federal immigration authorities while facing conflicting political pressures.
At a glance:
- Leaked emails show Orange County Sheriff John Mina required deputies to get approval before assisting ICE, contradicting public claims of cooperation
- Former Detective Bill Moore revealed a December 2024 directive from Major Daniel Gutierrez restricting ICE assistance
- Mina publicly claimed immigration enforcement was “the job of the federal government” but later reversed stance after Florida law required cooperation
- The Sheriff’s office allegedly delayed and closed public records requests about immigration policies without explanation
- Critics suggest Mina’s actions are politically motivated as he potentially eyes a run for Orange County Mayor
Sheriff’s Double Talk on Immigration Exposed
The internal communications from Sheriff Mina’s department paint a concerning picture of an elected official potentially playing both sides of the immigration debate to appease his predominantly Democratic constituency. An email from December 2024 required deputies to seek explicit approval before assisting federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, directly contradicting Mina’s public claims of full cooperation with federal authorities.
Former Detective Bill Moore brought these contradictions to light, revealing the directive from Major Daniel Gutierrez that was sent to captains throughout the department. The email essentially created a roadblock for deputies who might otherwise assist in the enforcement of federal immigration laws, showing a clear pattern of obstruction behind the scenes.
Political Calculations Over Public Safety
Sheriff Mina publicly stated, “That is the job of the federal government. I know many Sheriffs share that same sentiment,” when discussing immigration enforcement responsibilities. His public positioning aligned perfectly with the internal directive limiting cooperation, until Florida passed legislation requiring local law enforcement to assist federal immigration authorities.
Only after the law was signed did Mina suddenly reverse course and emphasize cooperation with ICE, suggesting his policies are driven by political expedience rather than consistent principles. Moore, who has intimate knowledge of the department’s operations, stated bluntly: “He has created different narratives depending on the audience.”
Moore further explained: “On one hand, he’s reassuring immigrant communities that they’re not actively seeking out undocumented individuals, while on the other hand, he’s signaling to law and order advocates that they’re working with ICE as necessary.” This two-faced approach raises serious questions about public trust and transparency in local law enforcement.
Pattern of Controversy and Political Ambition
The immigration policy contradictions represent just one aspect of Mina’s controversial tenure as Orange County Sheriff. His leadership during the Pulse nightclub massacre has faced criticism, and his decision to kneel during Black Lives Matter protests alienated many law enforcement supporters and conservatives in the county.
Multiple sources suggest Mina may be positioning himself for a run at Orange County Mayor, explaining his apparent reluctance to sign the 287(g) agreement that would formalize cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Critics argue this calculated approach prioritizes political advancement over consistent law enforcement policies.
The Sheriff’s office has allegedly stonewalled public records requests regarding immigration policies, adding another layer of suspicion to an already troubling situation. As federal immigration enforcement expands nationwide under mounting pressure from border states, these local obstructions may further complicate efforts to address America’s immigration crisis.
