Florida Expands Immigration Enforcement Powers, Increases Penalties

Florida's recent immigration legislation, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, introduces stringent measures affecting undocumented immigrants, including the elimination of in-state tuition for public colleges and the imposition of the death penalty for undocumented individuals convicted of capital felonies. Additionally, the laws enhance penalties for misdemeanors committed by undocumented immigrants and establish a new State Board of Immigration Enforcement to coordinate with federal authorities. Over $298 million will be allocated to law enforcement for immigration-related hiring and training, empowering state agencies to detain and deport undocumented migrants more effectively. These new rules and agreements allow state agencies to interrogate suspected undocumented individuals and increase collaboration with federal immigration enforcement. Critics, including civil rights advocates, argue that these measures could lead to the criminalization of vulnerable populations and may conflict with established legal precedents. The legislation has sparked a significant political response, with expectations of legal challenges to its more controversial provisions.