TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis signed on Wednesday three agreements that give expanded power to local and state law enforcement and other Florida agencies to enforce laws targeting illegal immigration.
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DeSantis signed the agreements during a news conference at the Florida Capitol.
Press play above to re-watch the news conference
One of the agreements gives the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida State Guard and the Florida Department of Agriculture expanded power and authority to interrogate any “suspected” person believed to be living in the country illegally, according to DeSantis.
“It allows us to be able to work seamlessly across our state agencies with federal immigration authorities,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis also highlighted the state’s participation in the 287(g) program, which allows state law enforcement officers to fully cooperate with the Department of Homeland Security authorities in identifying, interrogating, detaining and deporting people who live in the country illegally.
While this program has existed for years, DeSantis said it hasn’t been enforced the way it was meant to be.
“Now the 287(g) is being revived,” DeSantis said. “We have the ability to receive delegation for our state and local law enforcement officers to perform specified immigration officer functions under the agency’s direction and oversight.”
DeSantis said there is about $250 million set aside for grants to local law enforcement entities to assist federal agencies with their new duties.
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“We will utilize all available forces, resources and authorities granted to the Florida State Guard under Florida law and the provisions of this agreement,” Florida State Guard Executive Director Mark Thieme said. “We stand ready to protect and defend against all threats to public safety and illegal immigration presents a multitude of threat vectors which must be eliminated.”
After a special session late last month spiraled into a clash between Republican legislative leaders and Gov. DeSantis, Florida lawmakers met in another special session to pass a package of bills targeting illegal immigration — with DeSantis’ support.
On Thursday, DeSantis signed the bills into law, including proposals that DeSantis had pushed lawmakers to include, such as making it a state crime to enter Florida without legal authorization. Another DeSantis-backed measure would require pretrial detention for people in the country without legal authorization who are charged with forcible felonies.