Sheriff Grady Judd of Polk County shared his strong opinions during a press conference this past Wednesday on the current state of border security. He criticized the federal “Catch and Release” policy and highlighted the success of Florida’s border control efforts during a recent gathering with state leaders.
Judd expressed frustration with the federal “Catch and Release” practice, where individuals detained at the border are released with a notice to appear in court—something he claims many never follow through on.
“They turn themselves in to be processed, walk out the back door with a notice to appear, which they never, ever show up for,” Judd said.
He contrasted this with what he considers a successful example of border security, emphasizing that when Florida officials were present at the border, no one attempted to cross illegally.
“Do you see anybody crossing this border? No. The governor of the State of Florida is there. I’m there. Sheriff Ivey’s there, the Attorney General’s there, the Sheriff from Arizona is there—and there’s a secure border,” Judd remarked, pointing out that the presence of these leaders effectively halted illegal crossings. “That’s how easy it can be to stop this inflow of fentanyl, this inflow of human traffickers.”
“You don’t need cross-trainers; you just need border crossers,” Judd quipped, holding up a pair of sneakers.
“You see, you don’t need technology. You don’t need a major plan. All you need is these and then you can walk across the border unobstructed or you can run across the border unobstructed or you can tip toe across the border unobstructed and you know what this is, all it takes to get into this country. And they’re coming here by the millions to kill your children,” said Judd.
Judd also highlighted the dire consequences of inadequate border security, urging people to consider the stories of families devastated by drug overdoses and human trafficking.
“Talk to a mother or father whose child was smuggled into this country for prostitution. Talk to a mother or father who lost their child from an overdose of fentanyl,” he urged.
Judd praised Florida’s leadership under Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody, attributing the state’s success in fighting fentanyl distribution to their efforts. “We have a governor that says no. We have an attorney general that says no. They have stood up. They’ve been the leaders. They’ve provided us the tools,” Judd stated.
Seems nearly every time I see Grady DeSantis is nearby.
As a victim of the catch and release process, not only are illegals staying but they are given little to no legal repercussions. I was hit by an illegal who ran a stop sign and he was given a court date and ticket and that’s it. How are illegals able to register a vehicle but legally cant get a drivers license? Eliminate the easy process of illegals getting a vehicle and at least prevent some accidents that are causing our insurance premiums to go up.