Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed into law what he calls the “strongest anti-illegal immigration legislation of any state in the country,” marking a significant escalation in the state’s efforts to combat illegal immigration and protect public safety.
The new laws, passed during a special legislative session, aim to strengthen enforcement, deter illegal immigration, and align Florida with the Trump administration’s efforts to restore the rule of law at the federal level.
“Florida leads the way yet again,” DeSantis said during a press conference Thursday. “We are doing everything we can to end the illegal immigration crisis in this country once and for all. We have a responsibility to be strong partners with the Trump administration as it seeks to remove illegal aliens from our communities and protect public safety.”
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The new laws include a range of measures designed to crack down on illegal immigration and enhance enforcement. Key provisions include:
- State Immigration Enforcement Council: The creation of a council consisting of four sheriffs and four police chiefs. The sheriffs will be appointed by the House speaker and Senate president, while the police chiefs will be appointed by the governor, attorney general, chief financial officer, and agriculture commissioner.
- Stronger Penalties for Crimes: Enhanced penalties for illegal immigrants convicted of crimes, including a mandatory death penalty for undocumented immigrants who commit murder or child rape.
- State-Level Immigration Crimes: Establishing state-level crimes for illegally entering or re-entering Florida.
- Funding for Law Enforcement: Allocating $250 million in grants to support law enforcement agencies in immigration-related efforts.
- Voting Restrictions: Imposing felony charges on illegal immigrants who vote and on anyone who assists them in voting.
- ICE Reporting Requirements: Mandating that county jails report inmates’ immigration status to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- In-State Tuition Changes: Ending in-state tuition for students who are not U.S. citizens or legal residents.
- Law Enforcement Incentives: Creating incentives for Floridians to join law enforcement agencies.
- Federal Partnership: Solidifying the state’s partnership with the federal government on immigration enforcement.
DeSantis highlighted Florida’s proactive approach to addressing the illegal immigration crisis, particularly in response to the Biden administration’s border policies.
“When the Biden administration took hold, they opened the border and created chaos, not just in border communities but all across the country,” DeSantis said. “Florida has led the way in responding to this crisis.”
The governor pointed to several initiatives Florida has already undertaken, including:
- Sending support to Texas to combat illegal border crossings.
- Launching Operation Vigilant Sentry, which has interdicted over 17,000 illegal aliens attempting to enter Florida by sea, with the Coast Guard repatriating them over the past year and a half.
- Enacting legislation to increase penalties for illegal aliens, including for driving without a license and voting illegally.
- Monitoring hospital costs to deter illegal immigrants from burdening the state’s healthcare system.
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DeSantis praised the Florida legislature, particularly Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez, for their collaboration in passing the legislation. “This is a team effort,” DeSantis said. “The legislature has been with us on issue after issue for the last four or five years, going back to the ban on sanctuary cities. This legislation reflects the values and aspirations of the voters who sent us here.”
Senate President Albritton echoed DeSantis’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the new laws for Florida families. “What happened over the last 10 days leading to this event today is all about Floridians,” Albritton said. “Once this is implemented, Florida families, children, and grandchildren will be safer. That is the number one reason I was willing to lean into this fight.”
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DeSantis expressed confidence that Florida’s approach will serve as a model for other states. “I absolutely anticipate other states will follow what Florida has done,” he said. “We are ahead of the curve on ending the illegal immigration crisis. We didn’t just sit on our hands; we got to work, hashed it out, and produced a great product.”
The governor also announced that Florida has executed a 287(g) agreement with the Department of Homeland Security, allowing the Florida Highway Patrol to assist in immigration enforcement. A similar agreement with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is expected soon.
DeSantis concluded by emphasizing the broader impact of the legislation. “The State of Florida will be safer and more secure as a result of this legislation,” he said. “This is what the voters asked for, and this is what they expected from us. We are delivering on our promise to protect our communities and uphold the rule of law.”
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