Larry Keefe, a former U.S. Attorney for North Florida, was appointed Monday as Executive Director of Florida’s newly created State Board of Immigration Enforcement during a cabinet meeting at Northwest Florida State College.
- Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier nominated Keefe for the position, citing his experience as the state’s public safety czar and his role in coordinating law enforcement across Florida.
“He knows well the expectations of the federal government, has the relationships, the intellect, and undoubtedly the work ethic to get the job done,” Uthmeier said.
Gov. Ron DeSantis seconded the nomination, highlighting Keefe’s service as U.S. Attorney under the Trump administration and his involvement in Florida’s migrant relocation program.
- “Being the U.S. attorney for the Northern district of Florida is a huge deal, and he did that admirably under the first Trump administration,” DeSantis said.
In his acceptance remarks, the Choctawhatchee High School alumni pledged to be “relentless” in implementing new legislation.
“This is the perfect thing for me. This is a perfect job,” Keefe said. “It blends federal, state, and local, getting people to work together with a great sense of urgency, tearing down barriers.”
The appointment received unanimous approval from the cabinet members present at the meeting.