POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has been appointed to Florida’s newly established State Immigration Enforcement Council, a move he says will help protect the people of Florida and serve as a model for other states.
The council, created as part of a package of immigration measures passed during a recent special legislative session, aims to strengthen enforcement efforts against illegal immigration and related criminal activity.
In a statement, Sheriff Judd expressed gratitude for the appointment, which was made by Florida Senate President Ben Albritton.
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“I appreciate Senate President Ben Albritton appointing me to the first State Immigration Enforcement Council. Together, we’re going to do great things,” Judd said. “We’re going to protect the people of the State of Florida. If you’re here illegally committing crime, you’ve got to get out quick.”
Judd also praised the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, Senate President Albritton, and House Speaker Daniel Perez for their roles in creating the council. “Our governor, Ron DeSantis, our Senate President, Ben Albritton, and our Speaker of the House, Danny Perez, took a leadership role for a model for other states to follow,” Judd said. “It’s a true honor to be able to serve on a council and report to them the work that we all do to lower crime and protect you in Florida.”
The State Immigration Enforcement Council is part of the broader State Board of Immigration Enforcement, established under legislation signed into law by Governor DeSantis following the special session. The council will include eight members from law enforcement, with appointments made by key state officials.
Judd framed the council as a potential model for other states grappling with similar issues. “This is a leadership role for a model that other states can follow,” Judd said, highlighting the collaborative effort between state officials and law enforcement to address immigration-related challenges.
Senate President Albritton appointed two sheriffs, including Judd and Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri.
Members of the council will serve four-year terms, and the State Board of Immigration Enforcement will select a sheriff from the council to serve as chair.
The creation of the council reflects Florida’s ongoing efforts to take a proactive approach to immigration enforcement, particularly in the absence of past federal action. The legislation passed during the special session also includes measures to increase penalties for human smuggling, require hospitals to collect data on patients’ immigration status, and prohibit local governments from issuing identification cards to undocumented immigrants.
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The council’s work will focus on identifying and addressing inefficiencies in current immigration enforcement practices, as well as developing strategies to combat illegal immigration and its impact on public safety.
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