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In a notable policy shift, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has recently emerged a more nuanced approach to immigration enforcement

March 16, 2026
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In a notable policy shift, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has recently emerged as a prominent voice among Florida sheriffs advocating for a more nuanced approach to immigration enforcement.

Credit: AP Photo/Brynn Anderson
Sheriff Grady Judd, of Polk County, Fla., listens during a state commission meeting on Tuesday, July 10, 2018, in Sunrise, Fla.

During a meeting of the State Immigration Enforcement Council on Monday, March 16, 2026, Judd—who serves as the council’s chair—publicly criticized mass deportation efforts that target individuals without criminal records.

Shift in Stance

While Judd has historically maintained a hardline “tough on crime” reputation and supported Governor Ron DeSantis’s strict immigration policies, his recent comments mark a significant departure:

  • Distinguishing “Good Folks”: Judd emphasized that law enforcement should focus on “criminal troublemakers” rather than people who came to the U.S. “inappropriately only to do better for themselves and their family.”
  • Advocating for a Path to Stay: He suggested that for those who are working, paying taxes, and integrated into the community, a “reasonable” path to stay should be established.
  • Criticism of Federal Tactics: He expressed concern that current federal actions (ICE) are sweeping up “collaterals”—people who are healthy, working, and not violating the law—rather than focusing on those who pose actual safety threats.

Proposed Solutions

Judd announced plans to draft a joint letter with other sheriffs to President Trump and Congressional leaders. His proposed framework for non-criminal immigrants includes:

  • Civil Fines: Paying a fine for the initial illegal entry.
  • Language Requirements: A five-year window to learn English.
  • Self-Sufficiency: Ensuring individuals are working and not reliant on taxpayer-funded programs.
  • Community Integration: Requiring children to be enrolled in school.
See also  March 16, 2026, a federal judge in Boston issued a preliminary injunction that temporarily halts the U.S. government's recent efforts to scale back childhood vaccine recommendations.

Context of the Break with DeSantis

This stance represents a rare public policy disagreement with Governor DeSantis, who has consistently pushed for the removal of all undocumented immigrants regardless of criminal history. Judd and other council members argued that Florida has cast “too wide of a net,” and noted that they have avoided raiding places like “strawberry fields or citrus groves” because such actions are unnecessary and disruptive to the community.

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5 thoughts on “In a notable policy shift, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has recently emerged a more nuanced approach to immigration enforcement”

  1. Interesting. So, apparently Sheriff Judd CAN, indeed, change his mind. Whodathunkit? I mean, he refuses to embrace humane and effective management of community cats (feral and free roaming cats) in Polk County, choosing instead to practice archaic and inhumane trap-and-kill. Even when presented with peer reviewed scientific information, Sheriff Judd has refused to change his position. Perhaps this is a harbinger that he can do the right thing and change his mind on how to treat these cats. C’mon, Grady, you can do it! Be more humane AND effective! We love birds too, we will help you protect them!

  3. Illegal is illegal. Rewarding bad behavior is wrong. There are SO MANY others seeking the American dream who are filing the appropriate documents and waiting for “approval” to come here LEGALLY. I have seen the Mike long lines at our Embassies around the world.

    We were taught in grade school not to cut in line. If you did and you were caught, you were sent to the end of the line. This is the same lesson. If you enter illegally, you will be deported, so do it the right way.

    I do not feel sorry for those who broke our immigration laws to sneak into the U.S. who are now facing deportation. For every action there is an equal and just reaction – and that is not giving illegal immigrates a “free pass” with a slap on the hand and all is well.

    I fully support legal immigration.

    1. Had we lived in a perfect world, they wouldn’t be waiting in line because there would be no reason for them to leave. Paying a fine for the initial illegal entry and having no support from taxpayer programs is fair treatment. Many of them have not caused any hurt, harm, or danger to anyone in the communities they have settled into and have become apart of. And for those who have hurt anyone, deserve to feel the weight of the law. Grady wants to make sure that crime fits the punishment.

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