Tallahassee, Florida – On Friday, June 17, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law restricting private entities and nonprofits from transporting unaccompanied children and other migrants, including international tourists and workers.
SB 1808 also mandates that law enforcement agencies enter into a cooperation agreement with ICE. The bill is a direct inspiration and an “updated version” of SB 168, the original anti-sanctuary cities bill that previously passed in Florida. SB 1808 redefines the “sanctuary policy” by broadening the definition to include policies passed by local municipalities which limits a law enforcement agency from providing information to a state entity regarding the immigration status of someone in the custody of law enforcement.
Romina Montenegro, Florida Advocacy Coordinator of United We Dream, said:
“We unapologetically oppose any bill that expands the deportation force and puts millions of immigrants at risk. Governor DeSantis is willfully using immigrant children and families to distract from the real issues that Floridians are struggling with on a daily basis. Instead of passing bills that go after immigrants, the Governor and his administration should be focused on solutions to the ever growing cost of living in the state.
In Florida and across the country, we will continue to fight to defund the deportation machine and stop all collaboration between local police and ICE and CBP. All immigrants in Florida must be able to live and thrive without the fear of detention and deportation.”
