Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed three bills Friday to combat illegal immigration in Florida.
These bills also continue Florida’s efforts to maintain law and order and take proactive measures against illegal aliens who engage in criminal activity.
“The federal government has failed in its responsibility to secure our southern border, leaving states to fend for themselves,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “In Florida, we do not tolerate illegal immigration, let alone lawlessness committed by illegal aliens who shouldn’t be here in the first place. The bills I signed today further enhance Florida’s capabilities to uphold the law.”
Read: Florida Sheriff Says ‘They Shouldn’t Be Here’ After Woman Kidnapped, Raped By 3 Illegal Aliens
Governor Ron DeSantis signed the following bills into law:
- SB 1036, which enhances penalties for a crime committed by an individual who returns to the country illegally after an initial deportation.
- A third-degree felony (up to 5 years in prison) after deportation will be charged as a second-degree felony (up to 15 years in prison).
- A second-degree felony (up to 15 years in prison) after deportation will be charged as a first-degree felony (up to 30 years in prison).
- A first-degree felony (up to 30 years in prison) after deportation will be charged as a life felony.
- SB 1036 also enhances penalties for crimes committed infurtherance of drug cartels.
- HB 1451, which prevents counties and municipalities from accepting ID cards issued to illegal aliens by other jurisdictions.
- Florida already prohibits local jurisdictions from issuing IDs or driver licenses to illegal immigrants.
- HB 1589, which increases penalties on individuals who operate a vehicle without a license.
- Increases the maximum sentence from 60 days in jail to one year in jail for two or more offenses, and a minimum mandatory sentence of ten days in jail for three or more offenses.
“Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida has provided a blueprint for other states to protect their citizens against illegal immigration,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “Our administration will not stand on the sidelines and watch as the Biden Border Crisis continues to spiral out of control. I’m proud to serve alongside Governor DeSantis as we take action to protect Floridians in every corner of our state.”
Read: Florida Rep. Greg Steube Demands Info from DHS On Illegal Immigrant Arrested For Rape
Additionally, Governor DeSantis applauded the Legislature for passing Senate Memorial 1020, which urges the United States Secretary of State to designate the drug cartels which operate at our southern border as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
DeSantis also spoke about the proactive actions Florida is taking to defend against a potential influx of illegal aliens from Haiti.
In anticipation of a potential influx of illegal immigrants from Haiti, Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered additional state assets to the Keys and southern waters of the State of Florida.
“For quite some time, the State of Florida has been dedicating significant resources to combat illegal vessels coming to Florida from countries such as Haiti,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Given the circumstances in Haiti, I have directed the Division of Emergency Management, the Florida State Guard, and state law enforcement agencies to deploy over 250 additional officers and soldiers and over a dozen air and sea craft to the southern coast of Florida to protect our state. No state has done more to supplement the (under-resourced) U.S. Coast Guard’s interdiction efforts; we cannot have illegal aliens coming to Florida.”
Read: What Happened In Haiti That Prompted Gov. DeSantis To Deploy Florida National Guard?
Currently, state agencies have security and surveillance assets in South Florida and the Keys as a part of Operation Vigilant Sentry to stop illegal immigration at sea.
The governor’s directive today will send additional personnel and assets from the following agencies:
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement: 39 additional officers.
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: 23 additional officers with eight additional seacraft.
- The Florida National Guard: 48 additional Guardsmen with four additional helicopters.
- The Florida Highway Patrol: 30 additional officers with an additional aircraft and drones for surveillance.
Governor DeSantis will also authorize a deployment of the Florida State Guard to the Keys today to assist in the operation. This deployment includes up to 133 soldiers.
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