Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said his state has avoided the unrest seen in cities such as Minneapolis by enforcing strict cooperation between state and local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, crediting policies enacted after President Trump’s election.
During an exchange with Fox News host Laura Ingraham, DeSantis contrasted Florida’s approach with jurisdictions that resist immigration enforcement.
“Ron DeSantis, Governor, we certainly are not seeing chaos in Florida, as we've seen in places like Minneapolis,” Ingraham said.
“So what is the difference?”
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DeSantis said the difference stems from actions taken after President Trump was elected, arguing voters delivered a clear mandate focused on border security and enforcement.
“Well, when President Trump got elected, it was clear he got elected on two main issues, as you mentioned, the economy and the border,” DeSantis said.
“And not only stopping the invasion that occurred under Biden, but then removing the people who were here illegally.”
DeSantis said he responded by calling a special session of the Florida Legislature to ensure statewide compliance with immigration enforcement.
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“And so I called the special session of the Florida legislature, and we imposed a legal requirement on all state and local law enforcement agencies to participate with DHS in interior immigration enforcement operations,” he said.
According to DeSantis, that requirement has produced measurable results across Florida.
“And the result of that has now been between state and local. We've done 20,000 apprehensions of illegal aliens, and that's in addition to what ICE is doing on its own,” he said.
He said the mandate eliminated resistance from local officials and created uniform enforcement across the state.
“And you do have a very, very cohesive set of forces, and we're all on the same page,” DeSantis said.
“And here's the thing, the reason why impose that requirement? We have some sheriffs that would be gung ho to do this. We've got some cities, some mayors would not want to do it, right.”
DeSantis said the law includes consequences for officials who refuse to comply, drawing a contrast with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
“But since we did the requirement, if you act like Jacob Frey in Florida, then you get removed from your position,” DeSantis said.
“And so we have consequences to that duty.”
He said the enforcement framework has been effective and reflects the will of voters.
“And it's worked very well, and it's important the American people voted for this,” DeSantis said.
“This is something that has to be accomplished.”
DeSantis argued that President Trump’s presidency represents a critical opportunity to carry out those policies nationwide.
“And if it can't be accomplished with President Trump's presidency, then are we ever going to be able to get it done?” he said.
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