What is the controversial immigration reform that Florida legislators approved

The Florida Legislature approved the Tackling and reforming unlawful migration policy (Trump Act)a law that allocates 500 million dollars to strengthen the application of migratory norms and increase cooperation with the federal government in the detention and deportation of immigrants in an irregular situation. The measure was promoted by republican legislators and approved in a Special sessionwhich limited public participation in the legislative debate, he reported NBC Miami.

The bill requires that all state, municipal agencies and contractors of the government collaborate with the customs immigration and control service (ICE) As much as possible. It also creates one New State Immigration Officewith a designated boss who will assume responsibilities previously assigned to the governor in migratory emergencies.

The approval of the law generated tensions within the Republican Partysince the governor Ron desantis has described the measure as “weak” and has criticized that it does not include additional restrictions for immigrants in an irregular situation. Now, the president must decide whether the signature, the vein or allows him to enter into force without his rubric.

The law establishes a New state agency With more than 140 employees under the direction of a Head of State Imigrationposition that the Florida Agriculture Commissioner will occupy. This official will have the authority to coordinate immigration policies at the state level and manage cooperation with federal authorities.

In addition, the Trump Act transfers Emergency powers in immigration matters of the governor to the head of state immigration, allowing him to make decisions on the detention and processing of immigrants in specific situations. According to APthis change seeks to expedite the state response to migratory crises.

The legislation assigns 100 million dollars in subsidies to local agencies for the application of the law to finance Training, acquisition of equipment and leasing facilities Used in immigrants detention. Others 375 million dollars They are intended to strengthen collaboration with ICE, including the allocation of state agents to functions that traditionally carry out immigration officers.

To encourage the participation of local police bodies in the application of immigration laws, the State will also allocate 25 million dollars to grant bonds of $ 1,000 To officers collaborating with ICE in operations and arrests.

The Trump Act hardens the sanctions for people in an irregular situation convicted of crimes within Florida. The legislation establishes that any undocumented immigrant declared guilty of a capital offense You must receive the death penaltyaccording to NBC Miami.

During the legislative debate, Democratic senators expressed concern about the lack of specifications on how these penalties will be applied and what state agencies will be responsible for implementing them. According to APsome legislators warned that this could generate legal disputes about the constitutionality of the measure.

The new law eliminates a current norm since 2014 that allowed undocumented students to access state enrollment in public universities and schools in Florida. According to legislative data, this policy benefited 6,500 students during the tax cycle 2023-2024.

The elimination of this benefit marks a change in the position of some sectors of the Republican party. The law that allowed access to state registration was promoted in 2014 by the current Vice Governor of Florida, Jeanette Núñezwhen I was a state legislator. However, in the current context, Republicans have prioritized more restrictive measures.

Although the law was promoted by republican legislators aligned with the migration agenda of Donald Trumpthe governor Ron desantis He has openly criticized the measure, describing it as “Toothless” (without strength) and “Watered-Down” (softened), according to NBC Miami.

The Republican Senator Blaise Ingagliaally of Desantis, voted against the project, arguing that “It’s not strong enough”. In the state Senate, Six Republicans they rejected the proposal, what the law left without a majority capable of Cancel a possible veto of the governorhe reported AP.

The president of the Senate, Ben Albrittonand the president of the House of Representatives, Daniel Pérezthey indicated that the law Included amendments recommended by the Trump Administrationalthough not all the demands of Desantis were incorporated, he reported NBC Miami.

Democratic legislators argued that the Trump Act Criminalize immigrant communities and leaves ambiguous the obligation of state and municipal employees to cooperate with ICE. Christine HunchofskyDemocratic representative, warned that the lack of specifications in the law could generate confusion between teachers, social workers and local officials about their level of involvement in the application of migratory norms, he reported AP.

The Democratic Representative José Álvarezborn in Cuba, criticized the measure during a legislative hearing, declaring that “they should feel shame. This is not what this country represents ”, according to NBC Miami.

Civil rights defenders have announced that they could present laws on lawarguing that certain provisions can conflict with federal regulations.

The governor Ron desantis You have the option to sign the law, veto it or let it enter into force without your signature. So far, he has not confirmed what his final decision will be, he reported NBC Miami.

Florida joins other states such as Tennesseewho have summoned special legislative sessions to approve new regulations in response to Trump’s migratory agenda. The implementation of the law is expected to generate greater state control over immigration and discussions about its legal and economic impact.