Florida’s Bold Immigration Strategy Sparks Controversy

Clear Facts

• Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd warned illegal immigrants in Florida to self-deport to avoid imprisonment.
• Governor Ron DeSantis is committed to implementing Trump’s immigration policies in Florida.
• DeSantis has proposed legislation to increase state enforcement of immigration laws and penalize non-compliant local officials.

In a bold move, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has issued a stark warning to illegal immigrants residing in Florida: “Southbound and down.” This message comes as the state prepares for a rigorous crackdown on illegal immigration, aligning with former President Donald Trump’s policies.

Sheriff Judd, known for his straightforward approach, emphasized the urgency of the situation during a recent press conference in Winter Haven. He urged illegal immigrants to leave the state voluntarily to avoid potential incarceration.

“The mission is very simple: We need to end the illegal immigration crisis once and for all in these United States of America,” Judd stated.

Governor Ron DeSantis has thrown his full support behind this initiative, promising that Florida will do everything possible to assist in Trump’s immigration crackdown.

“We in Florida have a sense of urgency to accomplish this mission,” DeSantis declared, reinforcing the state’s commitment to rigorous immigration enforcement.

DeSantis has been actively pursuing legislative measures to bolster Florida’s role in this national effort. He has already initiated legal action against the Biden administration, challenging its “illegal” catch-and-release policies and its failure to assist in removing noncitizens from voter rolls.

A special legislative session is scheduled to further discuss funding and strategies for implementing these immigration policies. This session will address various aspects, including detention, relocation, and local law enforcement support.

“State and local officials in Florida must help the Trump administration enforce our nation’s immigration laws,” DeSantis previously emphasized.

The governor’s proposals include making illegal entry a state crime, requiring proof of U.S. residency to vote, and repealing in-state tuition for illegal immigrant students.

Moreover, DeSantis seeks the authority to suspend or criminally charge local officials who do not comply with these stringent rules.

However, not all local law enforcement leaders are on board. Sheriffs Gregory Tony and Ric Bradshaw have expressed their departments’ reluctance to allocate resources for mass deportations.

Trump has been clear about the role of local police in his immigration strategy, stating, “We’re going to be using local police because local police know them by name, by first name, second name, and third name.”

DeSantis’s proposals also include establishing a state immigration enforcement officer to coordinate with federal agencies and oversee migrant relocation efforts. Additionally, he suggests denying bail to illegal aliens deemed flight risks.

On Thursday, DeSantis reassured state agencies of sufficient funding for these initiatives, hinting at the construction of new facilities to detain illegal immigrants awaiting deportation.

Trump expressed his gratitude towards DeSantis, saying, “Thank you, Ron, hopefully other governors will follow!” This collaboration between state and federal efforts marks a significant step in addressing the immigration crisis.

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