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Governor Ron DeSantis Unveils Bold Plans To Ramp Up Florida’s Role In Fighting Illegal Immigration

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Governor Ron DeSantis

Governor Ron DeSantis will unveil a bold plan to combat illegal immigration at a Winter Haven press conference Wednesday morning. On Monday, DeSantis called for a special legislation session to aid President-Elect Donald Trump’s plan to deport illegal immigrants accused of criminal behavior. Despite pushback from some legislators, Trump endorsed DeSantis’ call for a special session on Tuesday.

In a phone call with reporters, administration officials said DeSantis wants to maximize authority and resources to assist Federal authorities.

Under Section 287(g) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, local authorities are required to partner with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents to detain and remove dangerous illegal immigrants. Under Florida law, local sheriffs departments are required to follow Section 287(g).

Administration officials said they want to use the most “robust model” under Section 287(g) which would require municipal police departments to assist Federal deportation plans.

Under DeSantis’ plan, the Florida Legislature would expand authority to transport illegal immigrants outside of the United States.

Other legislative goals include expanding gang statutes to include foreign gangs and cartel members, increasing penalties for illegal immigrants who vote in Florida elections, requiring local businesses to verify remittances are made by legal immigrants only and declaring any illegal arrested to be detained as a flight risk.

While Florida has trended solidly Republican under DeSantis, officials in blue Broward have repeatedly expressed opposition to DeSantis’ plans.

Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony is a vocal opponent of enforcement of new homeless encampment laws as well as any plans to combat dangerous illegal immigration.

On Monday, Governor DeSantis signaled his willingness to remove public officials who refuse to enforce the law.

“State and local officials in Florida must help the Trump administration enforce our nation’s immigration laws,” DeSantis said. “I have the authority with respect to certain officials to suspend them from their offices if they are neglecting their duties.”

Governor Ron DeSantis Suspends State Attorney Monique Worrell for Neglect of Duty and Incompetence

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Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Andrew Bain To Replace Monique Worrell

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the suspension of State Attorney Monique Worrell at a Tallahassee press conference Wednesday morning. Worrell was the Ninth Circuit State Attorney which covers Orange and Osceola counties. Governor DeSantis appointed Andrew Bain as the new State Attorney.

Here is the press release from Governor DeSantis’ office:

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the suspension of State Attorney Monique Worrell of the 9th Judicial Circuit for neglecting her duty to faithfully prosecute crime in her jurisdiction. Worrell’s practices and policies have too often allowed violent criminals to escape the full consequences of their criminal conduct, thereby endangering the innocent civilians of Orange and Osceola counties. The Governor has the authority to suspend a state officer under Article IV, Section 7 of the Florida Constitution. The Governor has appointed former judge Andrew Bain to serve as State Attorney for the duration of the suspension. To view the Executive Order suspending Monique Worrell and appointing Andrew Bain, click here. 

“It is my duty as Governor to ensure that the laws enacted by our duly elected Legislature are followed,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The people of Central Florida deserve to have a State Attorney who will seek justice in accordance with the law instead of allowing violent criminals to roam the streets and find new victims.” 

“We are fortunate to have a Governor committed to the rule of law and holding officials — especially those elected to protect the public — accountable for not doing the jobs they swore an oath to do,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody. “Ms. Worrell abdicated her responsibility as the circuit’s top prosecutor and her actions undermine the safety and security of our state and Floridians.”

Andrew Bain has most recently served as an Orange County judge in the 9th Judicial Circuit. He previously served as Assistant State Attorney in the 9th Circuit under State Attorney Jeffrey L. Ashton. He received his law degree from Florida A&M University College of Law and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami.

Governor Ron DeSantis