Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke in Winter Haven on Wednesday morning about illegal immigration at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The governor was joined by Polk Sheriff Grady Judd, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Director Dave Kerner.
DeSantis said Florida has made major reforms since he took office, including sweeping policies to protect residents, such as employment and photo identification.
“Florida is ready to lead. With President Trump taking office, Florida has a unique opportunity to help facilitate the end to America’s immigration crisis,” the governor said Wednesday.
On inauguration day, DeSantis said they are approaching the new administration to “end the illegal immigration crisis in the United States.” He emphasized the significance of local and state support for President-elect Donald Trump to put it to an end and has reportedly spoken to Trump about the mission.
“There’s been no issue that has been higher on the radar,” DeSantis added. “We need all hands on deck.”
Floridians should be prepared for a shift in legislature and policies regarding illegal immigration. DeSantis announced that a state immigration officer will be appointed to oversee this issue, including targeting gangs and deporting immigrants.
“We have to put Floridians first,” he said.
His proposed legislation includes the following:
- Mandate maximum participation in the 287(g) deportation program, with penalties for non-compliance, including suspension of officials
- Establish a state crime for entering the U.S. illegally and a process for self-deportation
- Appoint a dedicated officer to oversee coordination with federal authorities and the Unauthorized Alien Transport Program (UATP)
- Expand UATP to detain and facilitate the deportation of illegal aliens from the U.S.
- Broaden the legal definition of gang-related activities to include more groups of dangerous illegal aliens
- Repeal in-state college tuition for illegal immigrant students
- Require voter registration affirmation of U.S. citizenship and Florida residency
- Increase penalties for unauthorized aliens committing voter fraud or providing false voter registration information
- Mandate identity verification for foreign remittance transfers
- Create a rebuttable presumption that illegal aliens are flight risks and deny bail
Ashley Moody said the detainment of illegal immigrants must begin immediately, to help the federal government and to enforce the law.
“Our governor is a leader,” Sheriff Judd said.
Judd added that Florida needs to set an example to other states, in support of Trump, to crackdown on illegal immigrants. He listed off several immigrants arrested in Polk County for violent and deadly crimes.