Florida Set to Vote on Major Immigration Crackdown Under TRUMP Act

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Key Takeaways

Florida’s TRUMP Act mandates statewide compliance with federal immigration enforcement, including 287(g) program participation, with penalties for noncompliance.
The Act allocates $500 million, including $375 million for the 287(g) program and $25 million in compliance bonuses.
It repeals in-state tuition for undocumented students, affecting 6,500 individuals, and denies bail for undocumented felony defendants.

Florida lawmakers are on the brink of passing a major immigration enforcement bill during a special legislative session in Tallahassee. Scheduled for a vote on Thursday, February 13, 2025, this legislation, officially named the Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy, or TRUMP Act, represents one of the strictest immigration laws proposed at the state level. Backed strongly by Republican lawmakers and Governor Ron DeSantis, the bill outlines sweeping measures to align Florida’s immigration policies with former President Donald Trump’s federal immigration enforcement priorities.

Key elements of the TRUMP Act include required cooperation between state and local officials and federal agencies, significant financial investments for immigration enforcement, and the establishment of new oversight councils. These measures aim to standardize Florida’s approach to enforcing federal immigration laws, emphasizing deterrence and stricter penalties.

Florida Set to Vote on Major Immigration Crackdown Under TRUMP Act

Cooperation with Federal Immigration Enforcement

At its core, the legislation mandates full cooperation from all levels of government in Florida with federal immigration enforcement. This requirement primarily affects government departments, contractors, sheriffs, and county jail administrators, obliging them to coordinate efforts with agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Notably, jail administrators would now be required to participate in the 287(g) program—a partnership between ICE and local law enforcement that trains and deputizes local officers to perform certain federal immigration duties. Failure to comply with federal immigration detainer requests could result in $5,000 fines and suspensions for non-compliant officials.

This mandated participation has drawn criticism for its far-reaching implications. Democrats have voiced concerns about how the language of the legislation, described as too broad, could lead to legal challenges and unease among state and local agencies.

Furthermore, the Act outlines penalties for any officials or local governments who fail to cooperate. These provisions aim to strengthen Florida’s internal enforcement mechanisms by removing ambiguity in how counties and municipalities respond to federal immigration detainers.

Financial Allocations for Enforcement

The TRUMP Act earmarks $500 million to strengthen immigration enforcement in Florida. A breakdown of this funding reveals its intent to support local law enforcement agencies and incentivize compliance.

Out of the total budget:
– $100 million is reserved for grants that will provide law enforcement training, equipment, and funding to lease detention centers specifically for ICE activity.
– $375 million is focused on supporting Florida’s expanded collaboration with federal authorities, particularly to facilitate the 287(g) program.
– $25 million has been allocated as bonuses—$1,000 each—for individual law enforcement officers who comply with enforcement measures tied to federal detainers.

This financial boost aims to ensure that local agencies have adequate resources and motivation to fulfill their expanded role under the TRUMP Act.

Policy Structures: New Boards and Councils

The legislation also establishes two groundbreaking entities: the State Board of Immigration Enforcement and the State Immigration Enforcement Council. The purpose of these bodies will be to oversee and regulate immigration enforcement activities at the state and local level.

State Board of Immigration Enforcement
This board is composed of four key figures from state leadership: the governor, the Agriculture commissioner, the attorney general, and the chief financial officer. Its mandate includes coordinating immigration-related programs and distributing roughly $250 million in grants to local agencies. However, any grant approvals or key decisions made by this body would require unanimous agreement among its members.
State Immigration Enforcement Council
Made up of eight members, including sheriffs, police chiefs, and officials from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the council will assist the board. It will focus on operational challenges such as increasing detention capacity and ensuring local officers are adequately trained in federal immigration law.

These governance structures aim to improve communication and decision-making between state and local authorities while ensuring adherence to federal requirements.

Stricter Penalties and Education Policy Reforms

The TRUMP Act introduces substantial policy changes for students, undocumented immigrants, and individuals accused of crimes.

The Act repeals a 10-year-old law that had previously allowed Florida students without legal immigration status to qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. This marks a drastic shift in Florida’s policies on access to education, directly affecting an estimated 6,500 students who benefited from in-state tuition rates during the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
Stricter detention and prosecution regulations have been proposed. For example, individuals accused of felonies who lack legal immigration status will now be denied bail and will be detained pre-trial. Additionally, the TRUMP Act makes it a state crime to enter or reenter Florida illegally.

These measures reflect an intent to discourage illegal immigration through harsher consequences, impacting many immigrants’ legal and financial security.

Transportation of Migrants

The legislation also specifies protocols regarding transporting migrants out of state. According to the proposed rules, the Florida Department of Emergency Management will only engage in transportation efforts if federal authorities request assistance, pledge to cover associated costs, and oversee operations. This provision seeks to prevent unilateral state action and embed federal oversight into significant migrant-relocation projects.

Controversial Aspects and Debate Surrounding the TRUMP Act

The TRUMP Act has sparked significant debate during the legislative session. Governor Ron DeSantis has championed the legislation, stating that it enables Florida to enact “the strongest effort to enhance interior enforcement and to combat illegal immigration amongst the fifty states.” Yet, the governor’s earlier proposals had faced rejection due to disagreements within the Republican ranks, particularly concerning how state agencies should interact with local enforcement bodies.

The provision to create the State Board of Immigration Enforcement reflects a compromise between Governor DeSantis and legislative leaders. Concerns raised by figures such as Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez were resolved to the extent that both now fully back the Act. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this cooperative effort has allowed Florida lawmakers to establish a framework for some of the country’s strictest state-level immigration rules.

Nonetheless, Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups continue to criticize the measure. Concerns focus on the removal of in-state tuition, the financial burden imposed on counties to meet requirements, and fears of overreach in enforcing federal laws at a local level. Critics argue that mandating compliance with federal programs like 287(g) could strain local resources and risk creating legal liabilities.

Impacts on the Immigrant Population and Broader Implications

With roughly 20% of Florida’s residents identifying as immigrants, the TRUMP Act could reshape how the state handles immigration over the long term. For many immigrants, including those seeking affordable higher education opportunities, the repeal of tuition benefits represents a major hurdle. Simultaneously, measures to deputize local officers for immigration-related tasks may increase immigration arrests, detentions, and deportations within Florida.

Law enforcement agencies, especially those already understaffed, are expected to face new pressures to align with federal immigration enforcement priorities. However, the $500 million budget allocation aims to address at least part of this resource gap by assisting recruitment drives and covering operational costs for enhanced internal enforcement efforts.

Looking Ahead

The TRUMP Act is expected to pass along party lines, given the Republican dominance in Florida’s Legislature. Once in effect, these wide-ranging measures could cement Florida’s standing at the forefront of stricter immigration policies in the United States. It is also expected to resonate among supporters of President Trump’s immigration agenda.

As Florida’s Republican lawmakers prepare for Thursday’s historic vote, this legislation highlights a strong alignment between state and federal immigration enforcement strategies. The future enforcement of the TRUMP Act will likely face scrutiny, especially from advocates for immigrant rights who may pursue legal challenges once it becomes law. For full details and updates on this legislation, you can visit the Florida Department of State’s legislation page.

As Florida embarks on this seismic shift in immigration policy, it serves as a reminder of the growing importance of state legislation in shaping national immigration landscapes. For those affected, understanding the details of compliance and seeking legal clarity will be critical steps for navigating the changing landscape. Government actors, law enforcement, and immigrant-serving organizations alike will need to respond fully and carefully.

Learn Today

287(g) program → A program allowing local law enforcement to perform certain federal immigration duties after training by ICE.
Federal immigration detainer → A request by immigration authorities to local law enforcement to hold a person suspected of being deportable.
In-state tuition → Reduced tuition rates offered by public colleges and universities to residents of the state.
State Board of Immigration Enforcement → A governing entity overseeing immigration-related programs and allocating grants to local agencies in Florida.
Detention capacity → The ability and resources of facilities to hold individuals in custody, often related to immigration enforcement.

This Article in a Nutshell

Florida’s proposed TRUMP Act, set for a February 13 vote, could redefine state-level immigration policy. With $500 million allocated for enforcement and strict penalties for non-compliance, it aligns Florida with federal priorities. Critics warn of legal challenges and community strain, while supporters hail it as a bold stand on illegal immigration.
— By VisaVerge.com