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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced that the state Highway Patrol will assume new responsibilities regarding immigration, strengthening the enforcement of immigration laws at checkpoints, reported the agency Efe.
This measure is part of its policy to combat irregular immigration and strengthen border security within the state.
During a press conference in Tallahassee, DeSantis indicated that Highway Patrol officers will collaborate with federal and state immigration authorities to detect and detain individuals who are in the country illegally.
"Florida will not be a sanctuary for illegal immigration. We will continue to take decisive measures to ensure the safety of our citizens," declared the governor.
Through his account on X, De Santis stated that: "This agreement allows state law enforcement agents from the Florida Highway Patrol to deliver and execute arrest warrants for immigration violations, arrest any foreigner attempting to enter our country illegally and hand them over to ICE without delay, interrogate suspected illegal immigrants, and detain anyone who violates our immigration laws. Our state security forces will have the authority to issue immigrant detention orders and prepare charging documents in advance, which will expedite deportations."
"Together with our federal partners, Florida is ready to help enforce our country's laws and keep all Americans safe from the scourge of illegal immigration," he added.
The new function of the Highway Patrol will be implemented in the coming weeks, with a focus on major highways and high-traffic areas.
This decision is situated within a context of intensified immigration policies in Florida.
Recently, raids were carried out in Palm Beach County, resulting in the arrest of 32 individuals from various countries, including Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, and Venezuela.
According to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), many of those detained had criminal records for offenses such as drug possession, theft, and fraud.
Since Donald Trump took office as president on January 20, 2025, ICE has intensified its operations in the region, causing increasing uncertainty among undocumented immigrants, many of whom live with the constant fear of being detained and deported.
Although the government claims that deportations focus on "violent criminals," the collateral effects of these policies have impacted thousands of essential workers. Sectors such as agriculture, construction, and healthcare, which heavily rely on immigrant labor, have been particularly affected.
These actions have left a deep mark on the immigrant community. Many avoid leaving their homes for fear of being detained, which has led to a significant decline in the labor supply in essential industries. The social impact is devastating, with parents separated from their children and essential workers missing from their jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Immigration Policies in Florida
What new role will the Highway Patrol assume in Florida according to Ron DeSantis?
The Florida Highway Patrol will take on immigration control tasks, collaborating with federal and state immigration authorities to detect and apprehend individuals in an irregular situation in the country. This measure is part of the governor's policies to combat illegal immigration and strengthen border security in the state.
What is the objective of the agreement between Florida and ICE?
The agreement between the Florida Highway Patrol and ICE aims to streamline deportations and allows state officers to deliver and execute arrest warrants for immigration violations, arresting foreigners attempting to enter illegally and collaborating in the detention of suspected illegal immigrants.
What is the social impact of DeSantis' immigration policies in Florida?
DeSantis' immigration policies have generated uncertainty and fear among undocumented immigrants, impacting the availability of labor in essential sectors such as agriculture, construction, and healthcare. These measures have caused many to avoid leaving their homes for fear of being arrested and deported.
What additional measures does DeSantis's plan include to combat illegal immigration?
The DeSantis plan includes appointing a state immigration enforcement officer, granting local authorities the power to detain and deport undocumented immigrants, establishing criminal penalties for illegal entry, and increasing penalties for electoral fraud committed by undocumented immigrants, among other measures.
How does the "Trump Act" relate to Florida's immigration policies?
The "Trump Act" aims to toughen state policies against illegal immigration, increasing penalties for undocumented immigrants who commit crimes and eliminating benefits such as discounted state tuition for undocumented students. Although it has support from Republican leaders, DeSantis has criticized the measure for being insufficient.
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