State Immigration Enforcement Bills Head to Full House and Senate

HB 527 (Byrd) and SB 168 (Gruters) passed their final committees of reference, House Judiciary (12-6) and Senate Rules (9-8). We recognize that many state lawmakers are frustrated, as are we, that Congress has not effectively addressed needed immigration reforms. However, we oppose the unnecessary, piecemeal framework proposed in these measures.
 
No local law enforcement jurisdiction in Florida provides sanctuary to criminals - regardless of immigration status - or is in violation of federal law or department of justice policy. However, these bills go further than federal law requires by mandating that local law enforcement comply with all federal immigration detainer requests to hold individuals beyond the time they would otherwise be released.

Proponents of the measure have cited concerns with releasing immigrants who have committed violent crimes into our communities. If this is the case, the bills should be amended to reflect that intent. As currently filed, however, the bills would require the extended detention of every undocumented immigrant who U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) suspects is deportable and is in the custody of local law enforcement for any reason - even those who have not been convicted of a crime.

We are grateful to our FLCAN members who urged their lawmakers to vote "no" on these state-level immigration bills.