Ron DeSantis supports Trump’s Deportation Plan: What it means for Immigrants in Florida

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has officially backed Donald Trump’s mass deportation plan, taking strict measures to enforce immigration laws in the state. His new legislation aligns with Trump’s efforts to remove undocumented immigrants across the country, granting Florida authorities broader powers in immigration enforcement.

This move marks one of the toughest crackdowns on undocumented immigrants in Florida’s history, raising concerns among immigrant communities, advocacy groups, and legal experts. With stronger enforcement powers, the state is set to experience a new wave of detentions and deportations that could deeply impact thousands of families.

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Stronger Immigration enforcement in Florida

Ron DeSantis' new immigration policy is part of a broader state strategy to strengthen and tighten immigration enforcement in Florida. This initiative, carried out under ICE’s 287(g) program, grants Florida Highway Patrol officers the authority to arrest and interrogate individuals suspected of entering the U.S. illegally. Once detained, these individuals will be handed over to ICE to proceed with the deportation process.

Additionally, the governor stated that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has trained state officers to perform immigration enforcement duties. However, this law, spearheaded by Ron DeSantis, has faced strong opposition from human rights organizations and immigrant advocacy groups, who argue that these measures promote racial profiling and criminalize immigrant communities. Despite the criticism, the DeSantis administration remains committed to strictly enforcing immigration laws in collaboration with the federal government.

Florida's new law to arrest thousands of undocumented immigrants

The 287(g) program is a policy that allows state and local governments to collaborate with ICE agents in enforcing U.S. immigration laws. In Florida, this program trains Highway Patrol officers to carry out immigration enforcement tasks that were previously handled exclusively by federal authorities. These responsibilities include arresting undocumented immigrants, executing detention orders, and interrogating suspects.

The new immigration law introduced by Ron DeSantis aligns with Donald Trump’s immigration agenda. As part of Trump’s Project 2025, the initiative focuses on mass deportations, tightening restrictions on sanctuary cities, and allocating additional resources to enhance border security.