Florida Enacts Tough Immigration Laws, Names Larry Keefe as Board Director

Florida has enacted new immigration legislation touted by Governor Ron DeSantis as the toughest in the nation, creating a State Board of Immigration Enforcement led by Larry Keefe, a former U.S. attorney known for coordinating controversial migrant flights to Martha's Vineyard in 2022. The law imposes harsher penalties for undocumented immigrants, including a new state crime for entering Florida without permission and removing in-state tuition eligibility for undocumented students. The board aims to enhance state and local involvement in federal immigration enforcement, although removals are limited to federal directives. The new legislation has allocated $298 million for immigration enforcement, focusing on individuals deemed as 'bad people.' Critics express concern over the potential for targeting law-abiding immigrants amidst the crackdown. Keefe emphasized his commitment to working collaboratively across levels of government to implement the new policies effectively.