The enforcement of immigration laws and prosecution strategies has undergone significant changes under the new administration. These shifts reflect a concerted effort to intensify immigration enforcement at both the federal and state levels.
Understanding these new federal and state initiatives, as well as your rights under the law, can help you prepare in case you face deportation or criminal charges related to immigration. In this blog post, we provide an overview of the Trump administration’s initiatives, along with the laws and policies Governor DeSantis and the Florida state legislature have implemented. For questions about your specific situation, consider consulting a Florida immigration attorney.
The experienced attorneys at Malik Law are here to help. We have the knowledge, skill, and legal experience necessary to assist with immigration-related charges and potential deportation. Call us today at 407.500.1000 or submit the Free Case Evaluation form on our website for immediate assistance.
How Has Immigration Policy Changed Under the Trump Administration?
Upon assuming office in January 2025, President Trump swiftly implemented executive orders aimed at overhauling U.S. immigration policy. Key measures include:
- Accelerated Deportation: The administration broadened the scope of expedited removal proceedings, allowing for the rapid deportation of individuals unable to prove continuous U.S. residence for more than two years. This bypasses traditional immigration court proceedings, speeding up the deportation process.
- Revocation of Sensitive Location Protections: Previous guidelines that limited immigration enforcement actions in schools, churches, and hospitals have been rescinded, allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to conduct operations in these locations.
- Enhanced Collaboration with Local Law Enforcement: The expansion of programs like 287(g) deputizes state and local law enforcement officers to enforce federal immigration laws, increasing the number of officers involved in immigration enforcement.
- Community Impact: These policies have heightened fears within immigrant communities as ICE raids and deportations increase. Knowing your legal rights and securing experienced immigration attorneys is crucial in protecting yourself and your family.
How Have Florida’s Immigration Laws Changed?
In alignment with federal directives, Governor Ron DeSantis has pursued aggressive immigration enforcement policies within Florida and advocated for stringent state laws targeting undocumented immigrants. Recently enacted legislation:
- Criminalizes certain actions: Makes it a felony for undocumented immigrants to vote or assist noncitizens in voting.
- Restricts identification access: Prohibits the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles from issuing driver’s licenses or identification cards to undocumented immigrants.
- Mandates harsh sentencing: Requires state attorneys to seek sentences for certain individuals classified as dangerous unauthorized alien offenders.
- Establishes new enforcement boards: Creates the State Board of Immigration Enforcement and allocates over $298 million for law enforcement hiring and training related to immigration enforcement.
- Funds the Unauthorized Alien Transport Program.
- Mandates compliance with immigration detainers: Requires the Attorney General to initiate judicial proceedings in response to federal immigration detainers.
Additional legislation imposes criminal penalties for unauthorized immigrants entering Florida and enhances penalties for repeat offenses. State laws also impose fines and suspend officials who fail to comply with federal immigration detainers.
Enhanced Immigration Enforcement in Florida
In addition to passing stringent laws, Florida has entered into agreements with federal authorities to enhance immigration enforcement under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Agencies such as the Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Department of Agricultural Law Enforcement, and the Florida State Guard are now trained and approved by ICE to perform immigration enforcement duties.
Powers Granted to State Law Enforcement Under These Agreements:
- Interrogate suspected undocumented individuals.
- Arrest and detain individuals attempting to unlawfully enter the U.S.
- Deliver detained individuals for examination by immigration enforcement authorities.
- Enforce felony arrests under federal immigration laws.
- Execute warrants of arrest for immigration violations.
- Administer oaths and process immigration cases.
These agreements allow state officers to issue immigration detainers and expedite deportation proceedings. Additionally, undocumented immigrants arrested under immigration laws will be held in custody and transported to detention facilities instead of being released due to overcapacity.
The Need for Experienced Legal Representation
Given these intensified enforcement efforts, individuals facing immigration-related charges must navigate a complex and evolving legal landscape. The expansion of expedited deportation proceedings, increased federal-state law enforcement collaboration, and the removal of protections in sensitive locations all heighten legal risks for immigrants.
An experienced Florida immigration attorney is essential in addressing these challenges. At Malik Law, we provide:
- Case Evaluation: Scrutinizing arrests and evidence to ensure the charges are legally sound.
- Constitutional Protection: Ensuring enforcement actions comply with constitutional rights.
- Strategic Defense: Crafting tailored defense strategies based on federal and state immigration laws.
- Legal Guidance: Assisting through court proceedings, plea negotiations, and appeals if necessary.
In this era of heightened immigration enforcement, securing knowledgeable legal representation is critical. The attorneys at Malik Law are dedicated advocates, working tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Call us today at 407.500.1000 or submit the Free Case Evaluation form on our website to receive immediate legal assistance with your Florida immigration case.
