State-Level Immigration Bill Continues to Move

The House version of a costly and unnecessary immigration enforcement proposal was heard by its first committee of reference. The House Civil Justice Subcommittee passed HB 527 (10-3) despite that almost all testimony was in opposition to the measure. Ingrid Delgado, associate for social concerns and respect life, testified against the bill on behalf of the FCCB.

The bill would mandate that local jurisdictions comply with all requests made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold individuals 48 hours beyond the time they would otherwise be released. Complying with detainer requests is and should remain at the discretion of the county. At present, every jurisdiction in Florida complies with federal immigration laws. There are no so-called "sanctuaries" where these laws are not followed.
 
FCCB outlined its opposition to the proposal in a  letter to the bill sponsor, Rep. Cord Byrd. The current bill would violate subsidiarity and shift cost burdens to counties. It draws on rhetoric that obscures the current state of immigration law. It would also likely undermine public safety and law enforcement efforts, as immigrants and persons close to them may become less likely to report crimes.

We share the concern that our immigration system is in need of reform. However, rather than state-level enforcement measures, thoughtful, bipartisan reform at the federal level is needed to address our immigration challenges.