The Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, presented a controversial immigration proposal on Monday that would allow the state's National Guard to act as a judicial authority in deportation processes, and empower the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) to carry out immigration raids independently.
According to a report from the agency EFE, the plan was submitted to the government of President Donald Trump, and it includes the use of the Office of the Attorney General, a branch of military justice from the Florida National Guard, as immigration judges, with the aim of expediting legal proceedings.
During a press conference in Tampa, DeSantis announced that 100 officers from the FHP have already been accredited as deputy marshals of the under the 287(g) program, which allows them to execute federal court orders and "remove dangerous criminal foreigners," in his own words.
As an example, the recent “Operation Black Tide” was highlighted, a coordinated immigration crackdown with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which resulted in 1,120 immigrants arrested between April 21 and April 26.
DeSantis stated that state agents now have the authority to conduct immigration operations autonomously, including arrests and processing for deportation.
The governor also proposed the establishment of new migrant detention centers in the state as part of his strategy to increase apprehensions and strengthen immigration policy at the state level.
“Florida will be the leader in the fight to enforce immigration law,” he stated.
In a state where one in five residents is an immigrant, with more than five million people born abroad, according to the American Immigration Council, the proposal strengthens the restrictive approach that has characterized state immigration policy in recent years.
Since the beginning of his term, DeSantis has promoted laws that prohibit sanctuary cities, imposing fines of up to $5,000 and penalties such as suspension or removal of officials who violate the provisions.
Currently, more than 100 government agencies and all counties in Florida have signed 287(g) agreements, along with cities such as Hialeah, Doral, Orlando, Miami Springs, West Miami, Coral Gables, and Key West.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ron DeSantis's Immigration Proposal in Florida
What does Ron DeSantis propose regarding the deportation of immigrants in Florida?
Ron DeSantis has proposed that the Florida National Guard act as a judicial authority in deportation processes. This includes allowing the Highway Patrol to carry out immigration raids and establishing new detention centers. This measure aims to expedite legal proceedings and strengthen state immigration policy.
How will the 287(g) program affect the enforcement of immigration laws in Florida?
The 287(g) program allows state and local agencies to cooperate with ICE in identifying and detaining undocumented immigrants. Florida has signed numerous agreements under this program, granting local law enforcement the ability to act as federal immigration agents, which has intensified deportations and immigration operations in the state.
What impact has "Operation Black Tide" had in Florida?
The "Black Tide Operation" resulted in the arrest of 1,120 undocumented immigrants in Florida in less than a week. This massive immigration operation, coordinated with ICE, is considered the largest in the state's history and reflects the intensification of immigration policies under the leadership of Ron DeSantis.
What additional measures has DeSantis implemented to strengthen immigration policy in Florida?
DeSantis has expanded the powers of state law enforcement to enforce immigration laws. This includes the suspension of officials who do not cooperate with ICE, the involvement of the Highway Patrol in immigration tasks, and the criminalization of illegal entry into the state, among other measures.
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