Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis took a significant step in Florida’s fight against illegal immigration by signing three pivotal bills into law today. These legislative actions underscore the state’s commitment to maintaining law and order, particularly in addressing illegal activities committed by individuals who are in the country unlawfully. The move is a clear response to what the state leadership views as a failure on the part of the federal government to secure the nation’s borders effectively.
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Governor DeSantis expressed his frustration with the federal oversight, stating, “The federal government has failed in its responsibility to secure our southern border, leaving states to fend for themselves. In Florida, we do not tolerate illegal immigration, let alone lawlessness committed by illegal aliens who shouldn’t be here in the first place. The bills I signed today further enhance Florida’s capabilities to uphold the law.”
Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez echoed this sentiment, praising Florida’s proactive stance under Governor DeSantis’s leadership. “Our administration will not stand on the sidelines and watch as the Biden Border Crisis continues to spiral out of control. I’m proud to serve alongside Governor DeSantis as we take action to protect Floridians in every corner of our state,” she remarked.
Attorney General Ashley Moody criticized the Biden administration’s approach to immigration, lauding state leadership for their efforts to ensure public safety. “Ever since President Biden was sworn in, his administration has taken systematic steps to dismantle our country’s public safety immigration laws,” Moody said. “I am grateful that here in Florida, we have leaders who will step up to keep Floridians safe. Thanks to Governor DeSantis and our lawmakers, those here illegally committing crimes will face harsh penalties and we will continue to build a stronger, safer Florida.”
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The bills signed by Governor DeSantis include:
- SB 1036: This bill targets individuals who commit crimes after re-entering the U.S. illegally post-deportation, significantly enhancing penalties. A third-degree felony after deportation now escalates to a second-degree felony, a second-degree felony to a first-degree felony, and a first-degree felony can be charged as a life felony. It also targets crimes committed in aid of drug cartels.
- HB 1451: This bill prevents local jurisdictions from accepting ID cards issued by other jurisdictions to illegal aliens, reinforcing Florida’s prohibition against issuing IDs or driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.
- HB 1589: Aimed at penalizing individuals operating vehicles without a license, this bill increases the maximum sentence for repeat offenses and introduces a mandatory minimum jail time for those caught driving without a license on three or more occasions.
Additionally, Governor DeSantis applauded the Legislature for passing Senate Memorial 1020, which urges the U.S. Secretary of State to classify drug cartels operating at the southern border as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, marking a significant stance against drug-related violence and crime.
Governor Ron DeSantis has also recently taken decisive action in response to the potential surge of illegal immigrants from Haiti by deploying additional state resources to fortify the Florida Keys and the state’s southern waters.
