Ron DeSantis Unveils Sweeping Plan for Immigration Enforcement in Florida

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Key Takeaways

• Florida’s new immigration law, signed February 13, 2025, allocates $298 million to enforcement, creating the State Board of Immigration Enforcement.
• Key measures include mandatory E-Verify use, stricter penalties for hiring undocumented workers, and revocation of in-state tuition for undocumented students.
• Florida agencies formalized 287(g) partnerships with DHS, enabling trained officers to assist ICE in detaining and transferring undocumented individuals.

Florida has embarked on a comprehensive initiative to expand immigration enforcement, aligning state-level efforts with federal policies. On February 20, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis formally announced this sweeping plan, signaling a significant shift in Florida’s approach to addressing illegal immigration. This announcement came shortly after the Florida Legislature approved a detailed immigration enforcement measure that reinforces the state’s commitment to stricter policies.

At the heart of the initiative is the newly formed State Board of Immigration Enforcement, which Governor DeSantis will lead alongside members of the state Cabinet. Established through special-session legislation, the board’s primary role is to coordinate state and local efforts with federal agencies and oversee the allocation of $250 million in grants to local law enforcement to support immigration enforcement. Larry Keefe, the board’s executive director, has emphasized its primary focus: the detainment and deportation of undocumented immigrants.

Ron DeSantis Unveils Sweeping Plan for Immigration Enforcement in Florida

Florida agencies have already formalized their cooperation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under agreements known as 287(g) programs. Notably, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida State Guard, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are now actively engaging in this federal-state partnership. These agreements, which date back to enhancements made during the Trump administration, enable state and local law enforcement officers to carry out specific immigration-related duties, following training and approval by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Under this program, trained Florida officers will engage in tasks including questioning individuals suspected of breaking immigration laws, preparing legal documents tied to immigration violations, making detention recommendations, and transferring individuals into ICE custody. This partnership represents a strong alignment between state and federal priorities.

The sweeping new legislation, signed into law on February 13, 2025, backs these enforcement efforts with a significant financial and legal framework. A total of $298 million will go toward hiring additional personnel and acquiring resources such as training and equipment. The law also introduces a host of measures designed to tighten immigration policies further:

Stronger penalties for immigration-related offenses: This includes imposing capital punishment for certain severe crimes conducted by undocumented immigrants.
New criminal classifications: As an example, individuals who enter Florida after being in the country without legal permission will now face state-specific criminal charges.
Revocation of in-state tuition: Undocumented students in Florida will lose access to the more affordable in-state tuition rates they previously qualified for. This change affects thousands of students and potentially discourages them from pursuing higher education.
Stricter hiring requirements for employers: Employers must now verify work eligibility through the E-Verify system or similar official documentation. Hiring undocumented workers carries fines of $1,000 for a first offense and $2,500 for each subsequent offense.
Criminal penalties for fraudulent work documents: Undocumented immigrants caught using false identification for employment can face a third-degree felony.

The effect of these changes will be far-reaching and influence multiple aspects of life in Florida. In the realm of education, the removal of in-state tuition could result in a significant drop in the number of undocumented students pursuing higher learning. Critics have pointed out that this could have a broader economic impact, as fewer people obtaining advanced degrees may mean a less skilled workforce in the long run.

For businesses, the new law introduces mandatory compliance measures such as the use of E-Verify. The system verifies whether a job applicant is authorized to work in the United States. Random audits will be conducted by Florida’s Chief of Domestic Security to ensure compliance, though businesses can only be audited once every five years. The increased penalties for hiring undocumented workers add an additional layer of accountability for Florida employers, particularly in industries like agriculture and hospitality, which often rely on immigrant labor.

Law enforcement agencies, particularly the Florida Highway Patrol, will be integral to implementing these expanded efforts. Following its February 7, 2025, agreement with the Department of Homeland Security, the Florida Highway Patrol will undergo specialized training. Their new responsibilities will include identifying immigration law violations and assisting in detaining and transferring undocumented individuals to federal facilities. However, all final decisions regarding deportations will remain under ICE authority.

The law also introduces a controversial measure impacting Florida’s healthcare system. Hospitals are now required to collect immigration status information for all patients. Critics argue this could discourage undocumented immigrants from seeking medical care, potentially resulting in negative public health consequences.

Opposition to these measures has been vocal in some quarters, with individuals like Democratic State Rep. Anna Eskamani openly questioning their effects. Critics worry about the strain these policies may place on local resources. Additionally, community-police relationships could suffer, as undocumented individuals might avoid seeking help from authorities for fear of facing immigration consequences. This has led to concerns that some victims may become less likely to report crimes, resulting in a less safe environment for everyone.

Nonetheless, supporters of the legislation argue that these efforts aim to protect the jobs and resources of legal residents. Governor DeSantis has also pointed out that this plan could serve as a model for other states, positioning Florida as a leader in state-level immigration enforcement. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the state’s aggressive approach could influence national immigration debates, particularly as the 2026 elections come closer.

One of the most debated aspects of the law involves its economic implications. Industries heavily reliant on immigrant labor, especially agriculture and hospitality, may face hurdles in filling essential roles. Economists are divided on whether stricter immigration enforcement will benefit legal residents by opening up job opportunities or harm industries by reducing the available workforce. Businesses in these sectors may also deal with increased costs tied to compliance and potential fines.

Another challenge lies in the long timeline needed for implementation. Enforcing these changes requires training thousands of officers and ensuring agencies like the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are equipped to handle their expanded roles. Governor DeSantis has hinted that additional agencies may join these efforts if deemed beneficial.

On the national level, Florida’s immigration strategies are likely to spark further debate over state versus federal roles in immigration enforcement. Some advocates say Florida’s policies could pave the way for other states to adopt similar measures, while opponents warn about the risks of fragmented state-level approaches clashing with federal standards.

In conclusion, Florida is taking substantial steps to strengthen its immigration enforcement policies, with Governor Ron DeSantis leading a multi-agency approach to address illegal immigration. From revoking in-state tuition for undocumented students to empowering law enforcement agencies like the Florida Highway Patrol, the impacts of these policies will be closely felt—both by individuals and across Florida’s economy and communities. These actions will not only reshape immigration policy within the state but could also resonate on a larger national level as Florida becomes a focal point for immigration-related discussions. For additional details on federal immigration policies such as the 287(g) program, you can visit the official ICE website.

Learn Today

287(g) programs → Agreements allowing state and local law enforcement to perform immigration enforcement duties after ICE training and approval.
E-Verify → A federal system that checks the employment eligibility of workers by verifying their immigration status against government records.
Undocumented immigrants → Individuals residing in a country without legal permission or valid immigration documentation.
In-state tuition → Reduced tuition rates offered to residents of a state for public colleges, often unavailable to non-residents and undocumented students.
Deportation → The formal removal of an individual from a country for violating immigration laws, typically enforced by federal authorities like ICE.

This Article in a Nutshell

Florida’s bold immigration policies under Governor DeSantis are reshaping state enforcement. With $298 million allocated, initiatives include stricter hiring laws, revoked in-state tuition for undocumented students, and enhanced law enforcement partnerships. Supporters praise job protections, critics foresee labor shortages. Florida’s approach could redefine state immigration policy nationwide, sparking debates on economic and ethical impacts.
— By VisaVerge.com