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The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, announced his action plan to combat illegal immigration in the state, in coordination with the measures that the elected president Donald Trump plans to implement upon taking office on January 20th.
During a press conference this Wednesday, DeSantis was accompanied by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and several state sheriffs to outline the proposals he aims to implement in a special legislative session scheduled for the week of January 27.
Main measures of the plan
The governor proposed that law enforcement at the municipal, county, and state levels actively participate in collaborative programs with the federal government to enforce immigration laws, according to NBC Miami.
In addition, the plan includes:
- Appoint a state immigration compliance officer responsible for coordinating actions with federal authorities.
Grant local and state authorities the power to detain and deport undocumented immigrants.
-Establish criminal penalties at the state level for illegal entry into the country.
-Increase the penalties for electoral fraud committed by undocumented immigrants.
Implement identity verification for international money transfers, ensuring that senders are legally present in the country.
DeSantis also announced that he will request "tens of millions" of dollars to support local law enforcement agencies.
He also mentioned the possibility of mobilizing the National Guard and the Florida State Guard to reinforce these actions and hold local officials accountable who, according to him, neglect their duties.
Response to the critics and additional objectives
The governor of Florida expressed on Monday his interest in requesting a special legislative session to support Trump’s immigration policies. The Senate President, Ben Albritton, and the House Speaker, Daniel Pérez, emphasized that several of these issues will already be discussed in the regular session starting on March 4. However, DeSantis responded that "there's no time to waste" and that acting now is crucial.
The governor assured that he has spoken with Trump about some of the actions that the federal government will take upon taking office and reaffirmed his commitment to align Florida's efforts with the plans of the president-elect to address what he described as "a crisis of illegal immigration that must come to an end once and for all."
In addition to addressing illegal immigration, the governor wants the special session to discuss other issues, such as the rising costs for condominium owners, changes in the ballot initiative process, support for the agricultural sector, assistance for residents affected by hurricanes, and the replenishment of funds for a popular program for the structural reinforcement of homes.
Frequently Asked Questions about DeSantis' Action Plan Against Illegal Immigration in Florida
What measures are included in DeSantis's plan against illegal immigration?
The plan of Governor Ron DeSantis to combat illegal immigration in Florida includes several key measures. These include appointing a state officer for immigration enforcement, granting local authorities the power to detain and deport undocumented immigrants, establishing criminal penalties for illegal entry into the country, and increasing sanctions for electoral fraud committed by undocumented immigrants.
How will DeSantis's plan coordinate with Trump's immigration policies?
DeSantis has expressed his intention to align Florida's efforts with the immigration policies of elected president Donald Trump. This involves coordinating state actions with federal measures to address what both consider a crisis of illegal immigration. DeSantis has spoken with Trump about some of the actions the federal government will take upon taking office.
What role will the security forces play in DeSantis's plan?
In DeSantis's plan, the National Guard and the Florida State Guard could be mobilized to strengthen actions against illegal immigration. Additionally, law enforcement at the municipal, county, and state levels will actively participate in collaboration programs with the federal government to enforce immigration laws.
What are the criticisms of DeSantis's immigration plan?
DeSantis's plan has been criticized by various sectors due to its aggressive approach to enforcing immigration laws and the possibility that these measures may negatively impact immigrant communities. Additionally, some legislators do not align with these measures, such as Florida's Lieutenant Governor, Jeanette Núñez, who has previously defended the regulations that allow state tuition benefits for immigrants who came to the country illegally as children.
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