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The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, issued a strong warning on Thursday, stating that his administration has the authority to suspend local officials who do not cooperate with federal immigration authorities, specifically with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to carry out arrests and deportations.
“If these local governments are not part of the solution, we have many tools, including the suspension of the charge, that we can use now,” he assured.
DeSantis emphasized that Florida is taking additional measures and hinted that "you will see much more in the coming weeks and months."
Her statements were made at an immigration forum at New College, Sarasota, alongside Tom Homan, the so-called "border czar."
The warning came just two days after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a notification to the officials of Fort Myers, indicating that their refusal to approve a cooperation agreement with federal authorities could lead to serious legal and political consequences.
The incident that triggered these comments was the recent refusal of the Fort Myers city council to approve an agreement with ICE that would allow the federal agency to train local law enforcement officers to interrogate immigrants in their custody and detain them if they are deemed to be in the country illegally.
Council members fear that this could lead to arrests based on racist stereotypes and ultimately affect the community.
On the other hand, advocates for immigrant rights have pointed out that these agreements place local law enforcement officers in the role of immigration agents, which could lead to abuses and violations of human rights.
In response to the council's refusal, Attorney General Uthmeier sent a letter to the city of Fort Myers, warning that their lack of cooperation with ICE could be violating state law, which prohibits "sanctuary cities," and demanding "immediate corrective action." So far, there has been no official response from the government of Fort Myers.
In the past, DeSantis has removed local officials who opposed his policies.
An example was his dismissal in 2023 of Monique Worrell, the Democratic state attorney from Orlando, whom he accused of "negligence and incompetence" for opposing mandatory minimum sentences and lengthy penalties for young people. However, data show that most crimes decreased in her jurisdiction in 2021. Worrell was reelected last year.
Known for his firm stance against illegal immigration, the governor signed several agreements last month that grant greater authority to state and local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws in the state, by identifying and detaining undocumented immigrants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ron DeSantis' Immigration Policies in Florida
What measures has Ron DeSantis taken to reinforce immigration policies in Florida?
Ron DeSantis has implemented several measures to tighten immigration policies in Florida, including the reactivation of the 287(g) program, which allows state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE in identifying and detaining undocumented immigrants. Additionally, he has signed agreements to grant greater authority to law enforcement in enforcing immigration laws and has promoted state laws that criminalize illegal entry into the state.
What is Ron DeSantis's stance on sanctuary cities in Florida?
Ron DeSantis has clearly stated that Florida will not be a sanctuary state and has taken steps to prohibit "sanctuary cities." This includes requiring state and local cooperation with federal immigration authorities and threatening to suspend local officials who refuse to collaborate with ICE. His administration believes that a lack of cooperation with ICE could violate state law.
What is the 287(g) program and how is it being applied in Florida?
The 287(g) program is an initiative that allows ICE to delegate immigration enforcement functions to state and local law enforcement agencies. In Florida, this program has been reactivated by Ron DeSantis to allow local authorities to act as federal immigration agents. This includes the identification, detention, and processing of undocumented immigrants, and it has been implemented in all 67 sheriff's departments in the state, making Florida the only state with this level of collaboration.
How have immigrant rights advocates responded to DeSantis' policies?
Immigrant rights advocates have strongly criticized Ron DeSantis's policies, arguing that they promote racial discrimination and erode trust between immigrant communities and local authorities. They have also expressed concern about the negative impact on vulnerable communities and essential economic sectors that rely on immigrant labor, such as agriculture and construction.
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