Brevard County officials confirmed receipt of federal reimbursements for costs related to immigration enforcement activities, according to a statement released Monday. The funds, provided by the Department of Homeland Security, are intended to cover expenses tied to detainer requests and cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). County Administrator Steve Hinkle said the reimbursements will help offset costs incurred by local law enforcement agencies since 2021. "This funding ensures our agencies can continue supporting federal immigration priorities without placing undue financial strain on the county," Hinkle said. The announcement comes amid ongoing debates over local policies regarding immigration enforcement. Brevard County has faced scrutiny in recent years over its cooperation with ICE, including a 2022 audit that found discrepancies in how detainer requests were handled. The reimbursements, which totaled $1.2 million in the latest fiscal year, are part of a federal program that compensates local jurisdictions for costs associated with immigration detainers. Critics argue the funding creates an incentive for counties to prioritize federal immigration enforcement over local policies. "We’re transparent about our role in this process," said County Commissioner Barbara Peters. "These reimbursements allow us to maintain compliance with federal law while managing resources effectively." The county has not disclosed how much of the reimbursement funds will be used for training, equipment, or other law enforcement needs. The latest allocation marks the third year of federal reimbursements under the program, which was expanded in 2020.