Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has unveiled a comprehensive border security plan that features a mix of proposals—some in line with measures adopted by other states and others that go even further in scope. The governor’s initiative includes calling for a special legislative session to ensure Florida is prepared to swiftly implement President-Elect Donald Trump’s plans for mass deportation of undocumented immigrants.
DeSantis’ decision to convene the special session has sparked debate, even within his own Republican party, with some members voicing opposition to his approach. The session is intended to focus on advancing a series of legislative proposals he has recommended. Among these proposals is a mandate for local law enforcement agencies to fully participate in the federal 287(g) program, which enables collaboration between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement.
The plan also includes provisions to impose strict penalties on jurisdictions and officers that fail to comply with these requirements, including the possibility of suspension for noncompliant officers. By pushing for maximum participation in immigration enforcement, DeSantis aims to position Florida as a leader in supporting federal deportation efforts, though the controversial measures are likely to face legal and political challenges.
The 287(g) program, though widely publicized during the Trump administration, was established much earlier, in 1996, through the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act. This law amended the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by adding Section 287(g), which grants U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the authority to delegate specific immigration enforcement powers to state and local law enforcement officers under ICE supervision. The program aims to strengthen collaboration between federal and local authorities in addressing immigration violations.
Under the program, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers partner with state and local law enforcement agencies to identify and remove noncitizens who are incarcerated. These individuals may otherwise be released into the community while awaiting criminal trials or immigration removal proceedings. By providing an alternative to releasing potentially dangerous individuals, the program seeks to enhance public safety.
However, the program has faced significant challenges, particularly from so-called “sanctuary jurisdictions.” These jurisdictions have adopted policies that limit cooperation with ICE, often refusing to comply with ICE detainer requests. ICE Deputy Director Patrick Lechleitner has expressed concerns about these refusals, arguing that they create security risks at both local and national levels. He told Congress that some jurisdictions refuse to honor detainer requests for noncitizens who have been convicted of serious felonies, thereby allowing individuals who pose ongoing threats to public safety to remain in the community. According to Lechleitner, sanctuary policies can inadvertently shield dangerous criminals who frequently victimize the very communities these policies aim to protect.
Numerous examples have emerged of jurisdictions releasing individuals with criminal records, including illegal border crossers, into local communities. This practice, critics argue, has contributed to increased crime rates in those areas. The Center Square has reported on such instances, highlighting the public safety risks posed by noncompliance with ICE detainer requests.
To address these challenges, ICE operates two distinct programs under the 287(g) framework. The Jail Enforcement Model allows authorized law enforcement personnel working in county jails to identify and process removable noncitizens who have been arrested and have either criminal convictions or pending charges. The Warrant Service Officer Program trains, certifies, and authorizes state and local law enforcement officers to execute administrative warrants for noncitizens held in their jurisdiction’s jails. ICE asserts that these programs are critical tools in improving public safety by removing dangerous individuals from the community.
As of May 2024, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has established partnerships under the 287(g) Jail Enforcement Model (JEM) with 60 law enforcement agencies across 16 states. Additionally, ICE has agreements for the Warrant Service Officer (WSO) program with 75 law enforcement agencies in 11 states. Florida stands out as the state with the highest level of participation in the 287(g) program, with approximately 50 sheriff’s offices actively involved—more than double the number participating in Texas.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has also proposed expanding the state’s Unauthorized Alien Transport Program (UATP), an initiative that has received significant financial backing from the state legislature, with millions of dollars allocated to fund its operations. DeSantis’ plan includes appointing a dedicated UATP officer to oversee coordination efforts with federal authorities to streamline deportation procedures and bolster enforcement.
In addition, DeSantis has put forward a proposal to broaden the legal definition of gang-related activities to encompass a wider range of criminal groups that include dangerous illegal border crossers. One such group is the violent Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua (TdA), which has reportedly established operations in Florida and at least 22 other states. This expansion of the legal definition would enable law enforcement to target gangs like TdA more effectively.
Another notable aspect of DeSantis’ border security agenda is his proposal to repeal in-state college tuition for students residing in the country illegally. While this proposal has yet to gain traction in Texas, DeSantis is seeking to make Florida a leader in implementing stricter immigration-related policies.
Governor Ron DeSantis has also proposed measures aimed at strengthening election security and deterring voter fraud in Florida. His plan includes requiring voter registration applicants to affirm both their U.S. citizenship and their residency in Florida as part of the registration process. He also advocates for increasing penalties for noncitizens who commit voter fraud or provide false information during voter registration. These measures are designed to ensure the integrity of Florida’s elections while addressing concerns about fraudulent activity by illegal foreign nationals.
In addition, DeSantis has voiced support for making it a state crime to enter the U.S. illegally, mirroring a similar bill introduced in Texas that is currently tied up in litigation. He also proposes creating a formal process to facilitate self-deportation, offering individuals an alternative to detention or forced removal while still prioritizing compliance with immigration laws.
Over the past four years, Florida has taken a firm stance against the Biden administration’s border policies. The state has repeatedly challenged these policies in court, filing multiple lawsuits and achieving victories in many cases. These legal battles reflect DeSantis’ commitment to opposing federal immigration policies he views as ineffective, while positioning Florida as a leader in advancing stricter immigration enforcement at the state level.
Governor Ron DeSantis distinguished himself as the only governor in the nation to request that his state supreme court empanel a grand jury to investigate allegations of abuse involving unaccompanied alien children (UACs). This unprecedented move led to the grand jury releasing multiple reports that uncovered extensive instances of abuse and misconduct. The findings highlighted significant concerns regarding the treatment and handling of UACs, shedding light on vulnerabilities within the system.
Florida plays a prominent role in this issue, as it receives the third-highest number of unaccompanied alien children in the United States, according to a report by The Center Square. DeSantis’ efforts underscore his administration’s commitment to addressing this complex and sensitive matter while pushing for greater accountability and reform in the processes governing UAC care and placement.
Two years ago, while the Texas legislature faced challenges in passing border security legislation, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took decisive action by signing into law a series of bills aimed at addressing the dangers associated with illegal immigration. These measures targeted critical areas such as employment, healthcare, and human trafficking, reflecting a comprehensive approach to mitigating the impact of illegal immigration on the state.
Building on these efforts, DeSantis signed additional legislation last year that further strengthened Florida’s stance on immigration enforcement. These new laws increased penalties for previously deported individuals who re-enter the country illegally and commit crimes. They also imposed strict prohibitions on the use of identification cards and driver’s licenses issued to undocumented immigrants. These initiatives highlight DeSantis’ ongoing commitment to implementing stringent border security and immigration policies in Florida.
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