Florida is ramping up its crackdown on undocumented immigrants with newly enacted laws that impose harsher penalties for criminal offenses committed by those without legal status. Governor Ron DeSantis has championed the move, positioning it as part of a broader state-led effort to enforce immigration laws where he believes the federal government has failed.
Under the new legislation, crimes that were previously classified as misdemeanors, such as shoplifting and certain types of trespassing, will now be considered felonies if committed by undocumented individuals. These offenses carry much harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences and hefty fines.
The most controversial provision of the law mandates automatic deportation for any undocumented person convicted of a felony, regardless of whether they have family in the U.S. or have lived in the country for decades.
Critics argue that these measures unfairly target immigrant communities and could lead to racial profiling. Advocacy groups have also warned that such laws could discourage undocumented crime victims from reporting offenses to the police out of fear of deportation.
Despite the backlash, supporters insist the laws will deter crime and enhance public safety. They point to rising concerns over migrant crime rates, though studies on the subject remain inconclusive.
Legal experts anticipate court challenges to the new policies, particularly over due process concerns. Until then, the laws serve as yet another example of the growing divide between states over immigration policy—one that pits restrictive states like Florida against more immigrant-friendly jurisdictions such as California and New York.