TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Following Governor Ron DeSantis’ endorsement of what he describes as the strictest immigration laws in the country, Florida’s Republican leadership has appointed the head of the newly established state immigration enforcement board. The selected director is known for his role in the contentious initiative that transported migrants from Texas to a Massachusetts tourist destination.
In various Republican-controlled states, lawmakers are moving quickly to pass new laws that align with former President Donald Trump’s agenda regarding increased deportations. Florida officials have swiftly begun executing the new legislation, which proposes heightened penalties for illegal immigrants who commit crimes and allocates close to $300 million to enhance state and local collaboration with federal immigration authorities.
Florida’s updated immigration policies introduce stricter consequences for violations.
The recent legislative measures approved by Florida officials and signed by DeSantis are tailored to elevate state and local cooperation in enforcing federal immigration norms. The new laws significantly intensify legal consequences for unauthorized immigrants who break the law, including a mandate for the death penalty for those convicted of severe crimes, such as first-degree murder. This aspect of the legislation has drawn criticism from some within the Republican party, as well as from Democratic lawmakers and civil rights organizations, who argue that it may contravene existing Supreme Court rulings.
Under the new regulations, entering Florida after unauthorized entry into the U.S. is now classified as a state crime. Furthermore, students who lack legal immigration status will be barred from accessing in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities.
Leadership in immigration enforcement in Florida is now in the hands of Larry Keefe, who was named executive director of the newly formed board.
During an urgent meeting on Monday, DeSantis and Florida’s Cabinet members convened to kick off the operations of the state’s new immigration enforcement board. Keefe, a former federal prosecutor, previously advocated for the controversial 2022 program that involved transporting approximately 50 migrants from San Antonio, Texas, to Martha’s Vineyard, an action that sparked outrage among immigrant rights groups and led to a federal investigation along with an ongoing class-action lawsuit.
In his remarks following his appointment, Keefe expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “This is a perfect job. I will make you proud.”
Can Florida execute deportations?
The Florida legislature first established a migrant transport program in 2022, earmarking $12 million for the initiative aimed at relocating immigrants out of state.
Recently, DeSantis called a special session to push for the expansion of this program, requesting an additional $350 million while also seeking authorization for state officials to carry out deportations. The proposed legislative changes outlined that the state’s department of corrections would facilitate the logistics for deporting individuals back to their home countries.
However, legislative leaders ultimately rejected DeSantis’ deportation proposal, revising the migrant transport framework to ensure removals occur only under federal direction in accordance with federal statutes.
The cost of this new legislative package totals around $298 million, falling short of the governor’s previous request of $350 million specifically for migrating individuals out of the state. At the meeting, DeSantis reiterated his intention for Florida to take a strong stance in removing unauthorized immigrants from the state, stating, “Last time it was Martha’s Vineyard. This time maybe Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. I don’t know how it’s going to shake out. I just know that we’re going to be there and we’re going to be on the vanguard.”
What are the targets of state officials?
Florida state officials have conveyed varying messages regarding the priorities for enforcement actions aimed at undocumented immigrants.
In a recent briefing with reporters, Senate President Ben Albritton clarified that the emphasis is on criminal elements, asserting that “bad people” should be the target while addressing fears that ordinary individuals, such as law-abiding elders or students, might be unfairly targeted.
In contrast, DeSantis has suggested expanding the search parameters. Earlier this month, he announced a partnership between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Florida Highway Patrol, which broadens the authority of state officers to question, arrest, and detain immigrants, enhancing “street-level enforcement” capabilities.
