DeSantis details proposals for Florida’s role in Trump’s immigration plan

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis outlined several proposals for how the state can support incoming President Donald Trump’s immigration plan, which includes mass deportations. The proposals come just a few days after DeSantis announced his intention to call a special session to address illegal immigration.

DeSantis proposed giving local and state law enforcement full authority to enforce immigration laws. It would include the power to arrest and detain immigrants who are in the country illegally. He also suggested appointing a state immigration officer to oversee coordination efforts with federal immigration authorities.

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Additionally, the Florida governor recommended implementing a criminal penalty for anyone entering the state illegally. Currently, illegal entry into the United States is only a federal crime.

“We should do this so that we have an ability to hold them accountable in ways,” DeSantis said. “And my thing on this when people say, ‘Oh, well, deport the criminals.’ The problem with that is if somebody is here and they’re in a gang and they haven’t committed a crime yet, are you just supposed to sit there and wait until somebody is victimized? No, your illegal entry into our state was a crime. We get that on the books, and then we send you back home where you belong. So we need to do that.”

DeSantis expressed skepticism that Congress would pass immigration reform. He said it would be up to state leaders to proactively assist the federal government when Trump returns to the White House on Monday, Jan. 20.

However, some Florida state lawmakers have said they are not interested in a special session, complicating if and when the session will be held.

Meanwhile, other state leaders are either preparing to align with Trump’s immigration plan or outlining a defense against mass deportations.

Gov. Newsom convenes special session in California

California Gov. Gavin Newsom convened a “Trump-proofing” special session of the state legislature.

On Monday, Jan. 13, California State Sen. Scott Wiener announced amended legislation allocating $25 million for legal aid to those at risk of deportation. Lawmakers also proposed setting aside $25 million for state and local lawsuits against the Trump administration.

“Senate Democrats are particularly proud to provide funding for providers of legal aid services, which know our communities’ needs best and are best positioned to defend at scale the millions of individuals and families that will be impacted by the incoming administration’s extreme agenda,” Wiener said in a statement.

Idaho bill targets undocumented immigrants

In Idaho, lawmakers introduced a bill Tuesday, Jan. 14, that, if passed, would allow local law enforcement to arrest and charge migrants who are in the country illegally. ACLU officials have stated that they will challenge the legislation if it becomes law. They argue that it is unconstitutional and could lead to racial profiling.

Gov. Hochul, Mayor Adams address immigration in New York

In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul reaffirmed her commitment to protecting migrants working and living in the country for years. However, she stated that immigrants living in the country illegally who commit crimes should be deported.

“If someone breaks the law, I’ll be the first one to call up [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] and say, ‘Get them out of here,’” Hochul said.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams echoed a similar sentiment. After meeting with Trump’s incoming “border czar,” Tom Homan, last month, Adams said they both want to get criminal migrants off the streets of New York.

“We’re going to protect the rights of immigrants in this city that are hard-working, giving back to this city in a real way,” Adams said at the time. “We’re not going to be a safe haven for those that commit repeated violent crimes against innocent migrants, immigrants and long-standing New Yorkers.”

Texas offers land for detention facilities

In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott’s administration has offered land to the Trump administration where it can build detention facilities and carry out its mass deportations.

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Trump’s mass deportation plan

Homan, who Trump tapped to help facilitate the deportations, has said the federal government has a “zero tolerance” policy when it comes to unlawful migration. He also emphasized that sanctuary cities and states undermine the rule of law. Homan warned Democratic lawmakers in November “to get the hell out of the way” if they oppose Trump’s deportation plans.

Trump has stated that he plans to implement his mass deportation plan on his first day in office. The inauguration will take place Monday.