Florida Launches Aggressive Immigration Enforcement Initiative

Governor DeSantis appoints Larry Keefe to lead the newly established State Board of Immigration Enforcement as part of Florida’s sweeping immigration reforms.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed new legislation creating the State Board of Immigration Enforcement to enhance state and local collaboration with federal immigration authorities.
Larry Keefe, a former U.S. attorney and organizer of the 2022 migrant flights to Martha's Vineyard, has been appointed as the board's executive director.
The legislation introduces stricter penalties for crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, including mandatory capital punishment for certain offenses, raising legal and ethical concerns.
The state allocated $298 million to support immigration enforcement, including funding for detention facilities and local law enforcement training under the federal 287(g) program.
A newly formed advisory council, comprising four sheriffs and four police chiefs, will guide the board on strategies to combat illegal immigration and improve information sharing.