Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a new plan to crack down on illegal immigration in the state. This programme seeks to strengthen collaboration between local and federal agencies to increase arrests and deportations of undocumented migrants, with a particular focus on those with serious criminal records.
The 287(g) programme: an expanded strategy
Under this new strategy, Florida will expand the use of the 287(g) program, a provision of the US Immigration and Nationality Act that allows state and local authorities to work directly with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This agreement will enable more state agencies, such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, to participate in the identification and apprehension of undocumented persons.
DeSantis has advocated this policy as necessary to address what he sees as an immigration crisis neglected by the federal government.
“If states and municipalities are not part of the solution, the problem will persist. That’s why Florida is leading the way”, the governor declared.
Training and collaboration with local agencies
One of the keys to the expansion of the 287(g) program is the training of state and local officers by ICE agents. These trainings will allow state and local law enforcement to execute federal warrants and conduct immigration investigations in the course of their daily activities.
St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard Del Toro highlighted the importance of this measure to strengthen the capacity of local law enforcement. “This model will give us the power to act”, Del Toro said, stressing that officers will now be able to intervene in situations where they previously had no jurisdiction.
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Deportations without exceptions
Unlike previous strategies that prioritized the removal of migrants with criminal records, Florida’s new approach broadens its scope to include anyone found undocumented in the state. DeSantis warned that any officer who refuses to comply with these new guidelines will face sanctions, including suspension from duty.
“Officers who refuse to follow orders to assist with these processes will be suspended from duty”, the governor emphasized.
The debate over Florida’s immigration policy
DeSantis’ decision has generated mixed reactions. While some conservatives and security groups support the measure as a necessary step to protect citizens and enforce immigration laws, human rights organizations and immigrant advocates have called it extreme and discriminatory.
Keith Pearson, senior adviser for Homeland Security, argued that this strategy is essential to restoring order and law and order in the state.
“The reality is that the American people have spoken very clearly: they are sick and tired of having an open border and the rule of law being ignored”, Pearson said.
For their part, illegal immigration rights advocates have expressed concern about the potential impact of the policy on vulnerable communities. They warn that it could encourage racial profiling and discourage undocumented people from reporting crimes or cooperating with authorities for fear of deportation.
