Gov DeSantis Calls for State; Local Agencies To Be Ready, Willing, and Able

Governor Ron DeSantis held a news conference on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, urging state and local law enforcement to fully cooperate with President-elect Donald Trump’s anticipated immigration policies, set to be announced on his first day in office.

Governor Ron DeSantis held a news conference on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, urging Florida state and local law enforcement to fully cooperate with President-elect Donald Trump’s anticipated immigration policies, set to be announced on his first day in office.

Gov. DeSantis emphasized the state’s obligation to support federal efforts to resolve what he called the “illegal immigration crisis.” He called for state agencies to be “ready, willing, and able to assist.”

To align with federal initiatives, Gov. DeSantis has called a special legislative session beginning Jan. 27 to introduce new measures enhancing state and local involvement in immigration enforcement. Proposed policies include:

• Mandatory Law Enforcement Cooperation: Municipal, county, and state agencies would fully participate in federal immigration enforcement programs.
• State Criminal Penalties: Illegal entry would be penalized under state law.
• State Immigration Officer Appointment: A dedicated officer would oversee coordination with federal authorities and Florida’s deportation program.
• Detention and Deportation Expansion: Local and state authorities would gain broader powers to detain and deport undocumented individuals.
• Gang Activity Definition: The definition of gang-related activities would expand to include “dangerous” groups of undocumented migrants.
• Voter Registration Measures: Proof of U.S. citizenship and Florida residency would be required, with increased penalties for voter fraud or false voter registration by undocumented migrants.
• Foreign Remittance ID Requirements: Money transfer companies would impose ID verification for international transactions.
• Presumption of Flight Risk: Undocumented individuals accused of crimes would face a presumption of being flight risks, potentially denying them bail.

Gov. DeSantis also voiced support for repealing a law allowing in-state tuition rates for undocumented students, stating, “We need to put Floridians first.”

Additionally, State Sen. Randy Fine introduced a bill prohibiting Florida colleges and universities with high demand from accepting undocumented applicants, describing it as “SB 90 2.0.”

Further details can be found in the press release available on the Executive Office of Gov. Ron DeSantis website.