Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Larry Keefe as executive director of the State Immigration Control Board, cementing his strategy of toughening laws against undocumented immigration. Keefe, a lawyer with a long history of conservative politics, played a key role in the controversial removal of migrants to Martha’s Vineyard in 2022.
In his new position, Keefe will manage a budget of more than $200 million and coordinate operations with law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He will also oversee the enforcement of new state immigration laws and the distribution of funds in communities with a high migrant presence.
‘This job is a perfect combination of federal, state and local levels to act quickly,’ Keefe said after taking office.’
James Uthmeier, New Florida Attorney General
In another key move, DeSantis appointed James Uthmeier as the state’s attorney general. Uthmeier, the governor’s former chief of staff and director of his failed presidential campaign, said he would focus on strict enforcement of the law without compromise.
‘My commitment is to do justice without excuses or empty rhetoric,’ he declared on his X account.
Florida Tightens its Immigration Laws
Keefe‘s appointment comes in the context of new state legislation that imposes tougher measures against irregular immigration. Among its provisions are:
- Criminalisation of undocumented entry into the state.
- Death penalty for immigrants convicted of serious crimes.
- Elimination of college tuition for Dreamers.
- Mandatory cooperation between local and federal authorities to avoid immigration protection zones.
These policies seek to make Florida the state with the strictest immigration laws in the country, aligning with Donald Trump’s vision of mass deportations.
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