Immigration Measure that Would Directly Affect Vulnerable Children Advances

FCCB opposes HB 1355 (Snyder) and SB 1808 (Bean) that would prohibit commercial airlines and busing companies from transporting unaccompanied migrant children into Florida. This interferes with the federal government's responsibility to place children fleeing oppression in safe state-licensed facilities and would hinder the ability of Florida child-caring and child-placing organizations to serve these vulnerable children. 

Another bill provision requires all law enforcement agencies operating a county detention facility to enter into a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These agreements heighten distrust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement. Immigrants are less likely to report crimes and assist in certain cases in localities with 287(g) agreements, as they are afraid they will be reported to federal immigration authorities.

The House State Affairs Committee passed HB 1355 (Snyder) on a 15-8 vote on February 17, and the bill is now in the House Judiciary Committee. Senate companion, SB 1808 (Bean), is on the Senate Appropriations Committee agenda for February 21.