Florida's DeSantis signs three bills designed to combat illegal immigration

(The Center Square) — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed three bills into law on Friday to bolster Florida's efforts to prevent illegal immigration.

"We're here today, one, to build off a record of success with respect to combating illegal immigration…if you go back six or seven years in the state of Florida, we were not leading against illegal immigration at all, in fact, we were one of the weaker states," DeSantis said.

DeSantis stated that since he took office, sanctuary cities have been banned throughout the state, and harsher penalties have been enacted for people bringing fentanyl into communities, which in most cases comes across the southern border.

Illegal immigrants are banned from gaining a Florida driver's license, and the state will also not recognize driver's licenses issued in another state that does not require a social security number. DeSantis further stated that lawmakers have enacted E-Verify for businesses that employ over a certain number of employees to ensure those employees are legally working in the state.

"The federal government has failed in its responsibility to secure our southern border, leaving states to fend for themselves," DeSantis said. "In Florida, we do not tolerate illegal immigration, let alone lawlessness committed by illegal aliens who shouldn't be here in the first place. The bills I signed today further enhance Florida's capabilities to uphold the law."

DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1036, which enhances penalties for a crime committed by an illegal alien who has previously been deported and carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.

House Bill 1451 prevents counties and municipalities from accepting "community" ID cards, which are issued to illegal aliens by other jurisdictions. Currently, Florida prohibits local jurisdictions from issuing these types of IDs.

HB 1589 increases penalties for individuals who operate a vehicle without a license. It increases the maximum sentence from 60 days to one year in jail if they have two or more offenses.

Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez stated that Florida leadership will not stand by and allow illegal immigration to continue spiraling out of control.

"Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida has provided a blueprint for other states to protect their citizens against illegal immigration," Nuñez said. "Our administration will not stand on the sidelines and watch as the Biden Border Crisis continues to spiral out of control."