In Florida, a new measure that would ban sanctuary cities will be voted on in the state’s Senate on May 3rd. Under the new bill, police departments in Florida would be required to cooperate with federal immigration officials.
According to a draft of the Senate bill, “The Governor may initiate judicial proceedings in the name of the state against such officers to enforce compliance.”
Last Wednesday, a House version of the bill passed 69-47. This version states that “non-complying officials could be suspended or removed from office and face fines of up to $5,000 per day.” Gov. Ron DeSantis to sign the bill.
The following states already have laws that require law enforcement to comply with Immigration and Customs Enforcement:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Georgia
- Iowa
- North Carolina
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Tennessee
- Texas
Although there are no sanctuary cities in Florida like the ones in California and other states, Republican lawmakers claim cities like Orlando and West Palm Beach are acting as “pseudo-sanctuary” cities because these municipalities prevent law enforcement officials from asking about immigration status when they arrest someone for a suspected crime.
Florida Republican Rep. Blaise Ingoglia said, “There are still people here in the state of Florida, police chiefs that are just refusing to contact ICE, refusing to detain somebody that they know is here illegally. So while the actual county municipality doesn't have an actual adopted policy, they still have people in power within their sheriff's department or police department that refuse to do it anyway.”
The Miami-Dade Police Department maintains its stance that immigration-related matters should be handled by federal authorities
The state’s Democratic Party said the following after the House passed their version of the bill:
“House Republicans today sold out their communities to Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis by passing this xenophobic and discriminatory bill. It's abhorrent that Republican members who represent immigrant communities are now turning their backs on their constituents and jeopardizing their safety. Florida has long stood as a beacon for immigrant communities — and today Republicans did the best they could to destroy that reputation.”
At Kanu & Associates, P.C., we understand the stress the immigration system places on people seeking asylum and work visas. That is why our lawyers are here to assist you. Call (602) 353-7795 to schedule a consultation today with our legal team in Phoenix.