Governor DeSantis Takes Additional Steps to Drive Illegal Immigration Out of the Sunshine State
FAIR Take | March 2024
Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed three bills aimed at addressing illegal immigration in Florida. House Bills (HB) 1589 and 1451, along with Senate Bill (SB) 1036, introduce stricter penalties for illegal immigrants convicted of driving without a license and engaging in criminal activities.
HB 1589 expands on a 2023 law, SB 1718, which prohibits illegal aliens from obtaining driver’s licenses in Florida as well as invalidates driver’s licenses from states that provide them to illegal aliens.
HB 1589 increases penalties for all individuals driving without a license, regardless of their immigration status. Repeat offenses now carry a maximum jail sentence of one year, up from 60 days, while three or more violations mandate a minimum of ten days in jail. While not explicitly targeting illegal immigrants, HB 1589 is crafted with them in mind.
Nikki Jones, a Florida resident whose husband was killed by an illegal alien driving under the influence, strongly supports these bills. “The illegal alien who killed my husband had multiple high-risk traffic violations in between Hillsborough County and Polk County. I support these bills, because if they were in place and upheld prior to my husband being killed, and immigration law was followed through, I believe he would be alive today, and my children would still have their father,” she remarked.
HB 1451 targets I.D.s that make it easier for illegal aliens to live, work, and access benefits in the U.S. It prohibits counties and municipalities from accepting identification cards and documents that are issued to aliens “not lawfully present in the United States,” except for documents issued by the federal government. Governor DeSantis emphasized, “In Florida, we do not tolerate illegal immigration, let alone lawlessness committed by illegal aliens who shouldn’t be here in the first place.”
Some Florida residents, such as Vanessa Coe, an attorney for a non-profit community ID program, disagree with Governor DeSantis. “People who get community ID cards are largely using them for other reasons, things that are a little more accessible, like being able to enter a gated community or pick up a prescription.” She continues, “So, this decision [to sign the new law], while it is unfortunate, is not the end of our programs throughout Florida.”
Lastly, Senate Bill 1036 imposes harsher penalties on crimes committed by previously deported illegal aliens, with fines ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. For instance, a third-degree felony, such as carjacking, could result in a 15-year prison sentence for repeat offenders, rather than five. Moreover, a second-degree felony, like battery, could lead to 30 years in prison, instead of 15. If convicted of a first-degree felony, those with prior deportations will receive life in prison rather than 30 years.
SB 1036 also reclassifies penalties for members of transnational crime organizations, defining them as “organization[s] that routinely facilitate[] the international trafficking of drugs, humans, or weapons or the international smuggling of humans.” This means that misdemeanor offenses related to such activities now carry harsher penalties, serving as a deterrent against organized crime.
Despite criticism from open-borders advocates, Governor DeSantis remains steadfast in his support for SB 1036. “If you have been deported and you come to this state…and you commit crimes, we are throwing the book at you, and you are going to regret coming to the state of Florida,” he affirmed at a press conference.
Beyond signing these legislative measures into law, Governor DeSantis is taking steps to prepare for a potential wave of migrants from Haiti. DeSantis has unveiled plans to bolster sea-based border enforcement in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard’s Operation Vigilant Sentry. The governor’s directive allocates resources, including 48 Florida National Guardsmen, 39 law enforcement officers, 30 Florida Highway Patrol officers, and 23 Florida Fish and Wildlife officers, aimed at deterring an anticipated influx of Haitian migrants into the state.
As many states pass laws that incentivize illegal immigration, Florida has done just the opposite. Florida’s Attorney General Ashley Moody expressed her support for these laws. “Ever since President Biden was sworn in, his administration has taken systematic steps to dismantle our country’s public safety immigration laws. I am grateful that here in Florida, we have leaders who will step up to keep Floridians safe. Thanks to Governor DeSantis and our lawmakers, those here illegally committing crimes will face harsh penalties and we will continue to build a stronger, safer Florida.”
Florida’s proactive approach demonstrates that state and local jurisdictions do play an important role in the fight against illegal immigration. By implementing sensible legislation that discourages illegal immigration and safeguards the rights of citizens, Florida is imposing consequences for those who violate our laws.