Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said states and localities will play a crucial role in supporting President Donald Trump's immigration policies, promising that Florida will take the lead in ramping deportations and enforcing anti-sanctuary measures, Breitbart reported.
DeSantis described local cooperation as a "force multiplier" in bolstering federal enforcement of immigration laws, which he said has weakened under the Biden administration.
"Interior enforcement atrophied under Biden, so there will no doubt be a ramp up period," DeSantis said on X. "All the more reason why states and localities need to assist the Trump administration with interior enforcement efforts."
Ahead of a potential Trump presidency, DeSantis said Florida lawmakers convened to strengthen the state's role in immigration enforcement. He called for new legislation to clarify the responsibilities of state and local officials and ensure alignment with federal directives.
"The American people spoke very clearly," DeSantis said. "Of all the issues out there, this issue of the border and illegal immigration was one of the top issues in the 2024 election … and has been for many, many years."
DeSantis criticized what he described as leniency toward undocumented immigrants involved in criminal activity. Recounting arrests made after hurricanes in Pinellas County, he said, "I think it was like 45 of them that were arrested over a period of time, and I think 40 of them were in this country illegally. How the hell is this happening here on the head of a natural disaster? Give me a break."
To ensure compliance with immigration laws, DeSantis warned of consequences for those who fail to enforce anti-sanctuary policies. He pledged to suspend officials who neglect their duties, reinforcing his administration's commitment to stricter enforcement.
"Deputizing state and local law enforcement will make efforts to repel illegal border crossers much more effective and will help maritime states like Florida repel illegals who try to come by boat," he said on X. "It will also greatly enhance interior enforcement in all parts of the U.S."
Trump's past immigration policies have already led to the removal of criminal undocumented immigrants, including MS-13 gang members, DeSantis noted, citing examples from Boston.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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