By Paul Waldmiller
Did you know that a statewide grand jury that was put together by Governor Ron DeSantis has called for the Florida legislature to create new criminal penalties for harboring and abetting illegal immigrants?
The grand jury heard testimony from Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, and the State of Florida Attorney, Bill Gladson.
The grand jury specifically called for expanding a human-smuggling law already in existence that raises the penalty, to commit third-degree felonies if they transport anyone into the State of Florida that they should, or do know are here illegally in the U.S.
In 2019, the Florida Legislature passed a series of laws that banned sanctuary cities. That law is currently being appealed in federal courts.
A bill or a series of bills relating to addressing illegal immigration here in our state is expected to be voted on during the 2023 Legislative Session beginning in March.
It should be noted that while the Florida Legislature and Governor DeSantis are taking an increased stance against illegal immigrants, both the Legislature and Governor are simultaneously taking in millions of federal tax dollars from Violence Against Women Act and Federal Title IV D/E funds to abet those who are here in Florida illegally, leaving thousands of Floridians victimized through fraud, without justice.