The timing of your question is spot on, as there’s been a lot of conversation lately about the relationship between Sheriff Grady Judd’s office and federal agencies like ICE.
While Sheriff Judd has long been a vocal supporter of ICE, his recent public stance has actually been a bit of a critique regarding federal recruitment.
The Recruitment “Poaching” Dispute
Last year, Sheriff Judd expressed significant frustration toward the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for trying to recruit his local deputies to join ICE.
- The Conflict: DHS sent recruitment emails directly to local deputies, offering $50,000 signing bonuses to jump ship to federal service.
- Judd’s Response: He famously called the tactic “Bush league” and “biting the hand that feeds you,” arguing that Polk County spends a lot of money training these officers only for the federal government to try and “poach” them.
Recent 2026 Context
As of March 2026, the situation has evolved due to shifts in federal policy:
- Airport Deployment: President Trump recently announced that ICE agents will be deployed to U.S. airports starting today (Monday, March 23, 2026) to assist TSA agents during the ongoing partial government shutdown. While this is a federal move, it highlights the current “all-hands-on-deck” approach for federal agents.
- Judd’s Clarification: Just last week (March 17, 2026), Sheriff Judd held a press conference to clarify his stance on immigration. While he reaffirmed that his office “wholeheartedly supports and endorses ICE,” he and the State Immigration Enforcement Council are now advocating for a more “common sense” approach that prioritizes deporting criminals while suggesting a potential path for law-abiding undocumented residents who contribute to the community.
Current Recruitment in Polk
If you or someone you know is looking to work with the “Green Team” in Polk County, the Sheriff’s Office is currently running its own heavy recruitment:
- Sign-on Bonuses: They are offering $5,000 for new law enforcement officers and a $2,000–$5,000 moving allowance for those relocating to Polk County.
- Trainee Programs: They have open applications for Deputy Sheriff Trainees for their December 2026 academy class, which includes a $3,000 monthly stipend while you train.
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