ICE Arrests Convicted Murderer Upon Florida Prison Release; Deportation Pending

ICE ERO Miami took custody of Phillip Harkins, a Scottish national convicted of murder, upon his release from Florida state prison and plans to remove him based on a long-standing removal order. Harkins fled to Scotland after 2000 homicide charges, was extradited, and convicted in 2018; he is now held at Baker County Detention Center. ICE framed the arrest as part of its focus on removing criminal noncitizens after state custody. The case adds to recent evidence of heightened ICE and local enforcement activity in Florida.