Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis signed the nation’s toughest immigration legislation, creating a prototype for conservative states backing President Trump’s mass deportation agenda, generating unprecedented fear in immigrant communities.
At a Glance
- DeSantis signed comprehensive immigration laws positioning Florida as the leader among conservative states supporting Trump’s immigration policies
- The $298 million package includes hiring immigration-focused law enforcement and controversial provisions like death penalties for unauthorized immigrants committing capital offenses
- Florida is now arresting more immigrants and has expanded detention facilities while repealing in-state tuition for unauthorized immigrant students
- Georgia and Alabama are following Florida’s example with their own stringent immigration enforcement bills
- Immigration lawyers report unprecedented levels of fear in Florida’s immigrant communities
Florida Leads Nation in State-Level Immigration Enforcement
Governor Ron DeSantis has established Florida as the nationwide leader in state-level immigration enforcement through recent legislation that aligns with President Trump’s federal immigration agenda. The comprehensive package makes Florida the first state to dedicate such extensive resources to support federal immigration priorities. DeSantis allocated $298 million for hiring law enforcement officers focused specifically on immigration issues while providing grants and bonuses to local agencies that participate in enforcement efforts.
The Florida Legislature passed bills that significantly increase penalties for crimes committed by unauthorized immigrants and created a new state crime for entering Florida illegally. Among the most controversial provisions is one mandating the death penalty for unauthorized immigrants who commit capital offenses, setting Florida apart even from other conservative states with tough immigration stances. The legislation also repealed a previous law that allowed unauthorized immigrant students to qualify for in-state tuition at Florida’s public colleges and universities.
The mission continues.
Immigration law must be enforced and FL is leading on working with the Trump administration to get it done. https://t.co/3b6RrxALmw
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 23, 2025
DeSantis and Trump: A Strategic Partnership
The alignment between Governor DeSantis and President Trump on immigration enforcement illustrates a strategic partnership between state and federal conservative leadership. Despite past political tensions during the presidential primary, both leaders have found common ground in implementing aggressive immigration policies. Florida’s approach serves as a model for how state governments can supplement federal immigration enforcement actions, with DeSantis positioning himself as a key implementer of Trump’s immigration vision.
“Today, the Florida Legislature has passed the strongest legislation to combat illegal immigration of any state in the entire country. We are ahead of the curve on ending the illegal immigration crisis.”, DeSantis said.
Republican State Senator Joe Gruters acknowledged the political dynamics, stating that “Ultimately this is a win for Donald Trump. Because that’s what this is all about.” However, he also noted that “There’s still hurt feelings, on all sides,” referencing the previous presidential primary contest between the two leaders. Despite these tensions, both Trump and DeSantis have prioritized immigration enforcement over any lingering political differences, creating a powerful alliance that is reshaping immigration policy nationwide.
Other States Following Florida’s Lead
Florida’s bold immigration legislation is inspiring similar actions across other conservative states. Alabama has advanced proposals that include requirements for verifying immigration status in jails and collecting DNA samples from unauthorized immigrants. Georgia lawmakers have passed a bill allowing local governments to be sued if they fail to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts. These developments indicate that Florida’s approach is becoming a blueprint for other Republican-led states seeking to implement their own immigration enforcement measures.
The impact of these policies has been immediate and far-reaching. Florida has reported an increase in immigration arrests as state authorities assist the Trump administration’s enforcement efforts. A South Florida detention center has been expanded to accommodate the growing number of detainees, highlighting the real-world consequences of the new laws. DeSantis and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier have taken aggressive stances, even threatening to remove City Council members who oppose federal immigration enforcement measures.
Community Impact and Legal Challenges
The new immigration laws have created significant unrest in Florida’s immigrant communities. Immigration attorney Wilfredo O. Allen has observed unprecedented levels of fear among clients in Miami, indicating the profound social impact of these policies. The legislation has affected every level of government and has caused particular concern among residents who previously viewed Florida as a relatively immigrant-friendly state. Many families are now facing difficult decisions about their futures in Florida.
Legal challenges have already emerged, with a federal judge blocking part of the law that criminalizes unauthorized immigrant entry into Florida. Despite this judicial intervention, Attorney General Uthmeier appeared to defy the order, signaling that state officials remain committed to full implementation of the new policies. This tension between federal courts and state enforcement creates additional uncertainty for immigrant communities and highlights the complex legal landscape surrounding immigration enforcement at the state level.
