Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a comprehensive plan to address illegal immigration and public safety during a press event hosted by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. Joined by state officials, law enforcement leaders, and local citizens, DeSantis emphasized Florida’s readiness to support President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration, which he praised for its commitment to resolving the nation’s border crisis.
“We have a unique opportunity to work with the new administration to end the illegal immigration crisis once and for all,” DeSantis stated. “Florida is stepping up with urgency and purpose to complement federal efforts and ensure the safety of our communities.”
READ: Former Florida AG Pam Bondi Outlines Vision For DOJ During Senate Confirmation Hearing
DeSantis announced a range of state-level initiatives designed to bolster federal immigration enforcement and reduce incentives for illegal entry:
- Mandatory Law Enforcement Collaboration: State, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies will be required to actively support federal immigration authorities.
- Criminal Penalties for Illegal Entry: The state will enact penalties for illegal entry to hold individuals accountable before they commit additional crimes.
- State Immigration Enforcement Officer: A dedicated official will oversee Florida’s coordination with federal authorities, including programs to transport undocumented individuals out of the state.
- Gang Enforcement and Deportation: Florida will expand the legal definition of gang activity to include criminal organizations involving undocumented immigrants, ensuring swift deportation of gang members.
- Educational and Voting Reforms: DeSantis proposed eliminating in-state tuition for undocumented students and introducing stricter voter registration requirements to prevent fraud.
“These measures will discourage illegal entry, protect our communities, and ensure that Florida is no longer a magnet for undocumented immigrants,” DeSantis said
DeSantis dismissed critics who warned that strict immigration policies would harm Florida’s economy, citing sustained economic growth and reduced taxpayer expenses as evidence of their effectiveness. “Florida has shown that cracking down on illegal immigration strengthens our economy and reduces the burden on public resources like emergency rooms,” he asserted.
READ: Florida Senator Rick Scott Champions Pam Bondi For U.S. Attorney General
The governor also highlighted the impact of criminal activity by undocumented individuals, referencing arrests during Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in which the majority of suspects were undocumented. “We need to stop these criminal rings and protect Floridians from harm,” he said.
DeSantis emphasized that Florida’s actions would complement President-elect Trump’s national policies. He revealed that his administration has been working closely with Trump’s transition team to prepare for immediate implementation of new federal initiatives after the January 20th inauguration.
“President Trump was elected because of his strong stance on immigration and border security,” DeSantis said. “We are ready to support his administration with bold, decisive action to make America safe again.”
To fast-track these initiatives, DeSantis has convened a special session of the Florida Legislature beginning January 27. The session will address immigration reforms, hurricane recovery, condominium regulation, and public safety measures.
READ: Trump Praises Florida Governor DeSantis For Calling Special Legislative Session
“Our voters expect action, not excuses,” DeSantis stated. “This special session ensures we are ready to partner with the Trump administration from day one to tackle these challenges head-on.”
DeSantis concluded his remarks with a call for cooperation and urgency. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix a decades-old problem,” he said. “Florida will lead by example, and I am confident other states will follow.”
With these sweeping reforms, Florida aims to set a national standard for addressing illegal immigration and public safety, solidifying its position as a key partner in the Trump administration’s efforts to secure the nation’s borders.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.