Gov. Ron DeSantis on Florida's "Gold Standard" Immigration Enforcement Model

Gov. DeSantis explains why Florida has avoided the unrest seen in Los Angeles and Minneapolis, pointing to strong state laws and cooperation with federal authorities.

DeSantis has led the way in encouraging/demanding that all of the law enforcement officials in Florida assist ICE in deporting illegal aliens.

Why are other RED STATE governors dragging their feet in doing the same?

If all of the RED STATE governors get rid of illegal aliens in their states, then ICE can concentrate on removals in the BLUE STATES.

Home Gov. Ron DeSantis on Florida’s “Gold Standard” Immigration Enforcement Model
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Florida’s “Gold Standard” Immigration Enforcement Model
Parsing Immigration Policy, Episode 240
By Mark Krikorian on February 5, 2026

Summary
The Center’s latest podcast episode features Florida Governor Ron DeSantis discussing how Florida has become the gold standard on immigration enforcement.

Gov. DeSantis explains why Florida has avoided the unrest seen in Los Angeles and Minneapolis, pointing to strong state laws and cooperation with federal authorities.

Key highlights:

Mandatory Cooperation with ICE: During a special legislative session following President Trump’s election, Florida enacted a law requiring all state and local officials to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Officials who refuse can be suspended from office. Sanctuary policies are banned statewide.
287(g) Agreements: All 67 Florida county sheriffs participate in 287(g) agreements, along with the majority of police agencies. Florida is the first state to require state agencies to enter such agreements, enabling full task-force, street-level cooperation with ICE.
More than 20,000 apprehensions have resulted from state and local cooperation.
State-Run Detention Capacity: Florida operates a state-owned detention and processing facility, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” to address federal detention shortages. An immigration judge adjudicates cases onsite, and DHS conducts removals directly from the facility’s airstrip.
A second “Deportation Depot” in northern Florida supports removals.
DHS provides full federal reimbursement.
Provides an update on legal challenges.
Interior Enforcement Measures:
Mandatory E-Verify for public employers and private employers with 25+ workers.
No driver’s licenses or local photo IDs (by government agencies or NGOs) for illegal immigrants.
English-only commercial driver’s license testing.
State election crimes unit to prosecute illegal voting.

Re: "Ron allowed them in for years, now trying to look like a great guy?"

True...

From memory, about one half of the Biden "Fly In" immigrants were dumped in Dade and Broward County.

Around 200,000 - as I recall.

On the other hand - besides Texas - I cannot think of any other GOP Governor or Senator who vigorously challenged the Biden Open Borders strategy.

Better late then never.

As I recall, Catholic Charities and Lutheran Services Florida both received more than $100 million in federal government money to assist the immigrants that landed at the Miami and Fort Lauderdale air ports.

Completely insane.

I think most elected Republicans panic when the Hard Left news media accuse them of racism.

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