POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd delivered a powerful speech on Wednesday, highlighting the urgent need for action to combat illegal immigration and criminal activity by illegal immigrants in Florida.
Speaking alongside Governor Ron DeSantis and other state leaders, Judd underscored the impact of illegal immigration on public safety and praised the governor’s efforts to set a national example.
Sheriff Judd began his remarks by emphasizing the consequences of lax immigration policies, recounting numerous cases where undocumented individuals committed heinous crimes in Florida.
“Our criminal justice system holds them accountable, but the federal government lets them into your neighborhood to rob, pillage, steal, rape, and murder,” Judd said. “It’s time for Florida to lead the charge in removing these criminals from our communities.”
Judd cited specific examples, including cases of DUI manslaughter, hit-and-run incidents, and violent crimes committed by individuals who had previously been deported or had entered the country illegally.
“None of these people should have been here to create these tragedies,” Judd stated. “These aren’t just statistics; these are lives lost and families destroyed.”
Judd expressed strong support for Governor DeSantis’ leadership, calling him a trailblazer in addressing illegal immigration and supporting law enforcement.
“Our governor is a leader who is saying, ‘Enough is enough,’” Judd said. “The people of Florida and the United States elected Donald Trump because he promised to fix illegal immigration, and our governor is ensuring Florida sets the example.”
Judd also commended the Florida Legislature for working to complement federal policies with state-level initiatives. He highlighted the need for legislation that actively involves state and local officials in immigration enforcement and creates criminal penalties for illegal entry.
Judd did not hold back in criticizing current federal regulations, which he described as bogged down by “woke left” policies that hinder effective immigration enforcement.
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“We need to cut through the nonsense and let law enforcement do what we do best—protecting our communities,” Judd said. He urged the incoming Trump administration to remove bureaucratic obstacles and allow states like Florida to take decisive action.
Judd also mocked existing federal requirements, such as gender-identification preferences for detainee searches and excessive medical checkups, calling them “craziness written into legislation.”
Judd concluded with a message of urgency, calling for Florida to be a national model in addressing illegal immigration and supporting law enforcement.
“Our governor and legislature are setting the stage for the rest of the country,” Judd said. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a difference, and we’re not going to let it slip by.”
Judd delivered a strong message to those in the country illegally: “Southbound and down. You can self-deport and avoid a prison sentence, but it’s time to leave.”
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