Washington, D.C. (February 5, 2027) - 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. 
• Maritime Enforcement: Through Operation Vigilant Sentry, Florida interdicts migrants at sea and hands them over to the Coast Guard for return to their home countries.

In his closing commentary, Mark Krikorian, executive director and podcast host, highlights a new Center report finding that 53% of immigrant-headed households, legal and illegal together, use at least one welfare program. He points out that most immigrants work, but because they have low levels of education, they earn low wages and thus rely on taxpayer-funded support. Reducing future dependence requires selecting legal immigrants based on skills and enforcing laws against illegal immigration.