Illegal Immigration

Lawyers and advocacy organizations report an uptick in consultations from people fearful about the administration's orders and are reminding them of their rights, regardless of immigration status.

The Coast Guard's acting commandant said in a news release that all operational commanders have been ordered to “immediately surge assets" in what he calls key areas. That include boats, helicopters, planes and specialized teams.

A statewide grand jury has issued a 146-page report that calls for taking a series of steps to try to curb illegal immigration, saying "it will be up to Florida and other states to help themselves, at least in the short term," as problems go unsolved at the federal level.

What's known as SB1718 makes changes with regard to employers, holding driver licenses and companies which get state incentives.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and Gov. Ron DeSantis have long criticized federal border policies and argued that undocumented immigrants coming into Florida create costs for services such as schools, health care and prisons.

The bill sponsored by Rep. Kiyan Michael of Jacksonville imposes new restrictions on employers, hospitals and local governments.

SB 1718 would beef up requirements for businesses to check the immigration status of workers and require hospitals to collect data about whether patients are in the country legally.

A bill targeting illegal immigrants is a priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis. A similar House bill is positioned to go to the full chamber.

The proposal and its House counterpart have drawn controversy for their efforts to crack down on undocumented immigrants.

The case has focused, at least in part, on requests by an open-government group for phone or text logs that could provide information about communications by DeSantis Chief of Staff James Uthmeier.

He also signed into law a bill that would require county jails to assist federal agents with immigration enforcement.

An NPR/Ipsos poll found broad support for sweeping government action to combat the coronavirus — including temporary limits on immigration. But support for other White House policies has not changed.