As ICE pushes to catch illegal immigrants, Florida Democrat defends them: “Spreading fear through our communities”
Florida – Florida Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has concerns about recent immigration enforcement efforts by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in South Florida. She says these measures are making people in the area scared and unsure about what will happen next.
The lawmaker claimed in a public statement that ICE action in South Florida and nearby areas has included targeting workers during regular traffic stops, which she says goes beyond putting public safety first.
Cherfilus-McCormick noted that the enforcement activities are having an effect on people who are very important to the business and daily life in the area. She said that the people affected are workers who help their families, improve their neighborhoods, and keep important industries functioning in South Florida.
The representative says that classifying these people as security concerns undermines confidence and stability in communities that depend on foreign workers.
“These actions are spreading fear through our communities, disrupting local businesses, and harming South Florida’s economy, which relies on immigrant labor in industries like landscaping, construction, agriculture, and hospitality. When workers are afraid to show up, projects stall, small businesses suffer, and costs rise for everyone.” Cherfilus-McCormick said.
The representative also said that immigration enforcement should be more open and transparent. She stressed that law enforcement should only be aimed at people who are committing major crimes, not people who are just trying to make a life. Cherfilus-McCormick said she will keep working with people from both political parties to strive for what she calls “meaningful immigration reform” that balances compassion with public safety.
“Our immigration policies must be guided by common sense and compassion,” Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick stated.
“Enforcement should focus on serious criminal activity, not on workers trying to earn an honest living. I will continue to work with my colleagues from both sides to call for transparency, accountability, and real immigration reform that strengthens public safety while respecting families who are vital to our communities and our economy.”
Her comments come at a time when immigration policy and enforcement remain hot topics of debate in Florida. Recently, state lawmakers put forward a wide range of immigration-related bills that would make it harder for people who are residing in the country illegally to get certain benefits and services and make it easier for law enforcement to do their jobs.
Supporters of the measures say they are meant to solve what they see as gaps in rules about employment, licensing, financial services, and insurance. Critics fear the ideas might make things more harder for immigrant communities and the businesses that rely on them.
One of the most talked-about parts of the legislation package is a plan to make insurance companies responsible for any car accident involving an illegal immigrant, no matter who was at fault. State officials who support the plan say it improves on Florida’s current strategy to enforcing immigration laws and is aimed to keep law-abiding residents safe.
State leaders argue that the ideas are part of a larger effort to crack down on crime that has already led to thousands of arrests through coordinated operations involving federal, state, and local agencies.
Read also: Gov. DeSantis celebrates brutal immigration takedown, 10,400 illegals arrested in Florida
In light of this, Cherfilus-McCormick’s reaction shows the growing gap between state-level enforcement efforts and proposals from some federal politicians for a more focused, reform-oriented approach. As Florida’s immigration policy changes, the argument is likely to stay important for communities in South Florida and beyond.
