Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently made headlines with their firm stance on illegal immigration. Speaking at a press conference in Winter Haven, Florida, their message was clear: they are committed to addressing illegal immigration, especially with President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration.
Sheriff Judd didn’t mince words when he addressed those living in Florida without legal status. His message was simple: “Southbound and down.” He urged illegal immigrants to self-deport to avoid facing harsh penalties, emphasizing the importance of maintaining law and order in the state.
Judd highlighted the link between illegal immigration and crime, citing various incidents involving illegal immigrants, such as murder, DUI manslaughter, and organized theft. He stressed that tackling this issue would help reduce crime across Florida, making the state a safer place for its residents.
Florida, Judd argued, should be an example for other states in supporting President Trump’s efforts to rid the country of criminals who, according to him, victimize citizens. He emphasized the need for strong action against those who break the law by entering and residing in the country illegally.
A message from Sheriff Judd – if you are here in Polk County illegally, get ready to go “Southbound and Down.”
#sheriffjudd #polksheriff #gradyjudd #freestateofflorida pic.twitter.com/i2bT4wy1vG— Polk County Sheriff 🚔 Grady Judd (@PolkCoSheriff) January 19, 2025
Governor DeSantis backed Judd’s remarks, expressing confidence in Trump’s upcoming administration to take decisive measures against illegal immigration.
He conveyed a sense of urgency, emphasizing Florida’s commitment to addressing this challenge head-on and eliminating any incentives for illegal immigrants to settle in the state.
Under DeSantis’s leadership, Florida has already taken legal steps against the Biden-Harris administration, including challenging its catch-and-release policies at the southern border. The state has also filed lawsuits over the federal government’s alleged reluctance to help purge noncitizens from voter rolls, an issue deemed crucial ahead of the 2024 elections.
To further these efforts, DeSantis announced a special legislative session set to take place shortly after Trump’s inauguration. This session will focus on funding initiatives aimed at combating illegal immigration, which may include detention and relocation programs.
DeSantis underscored the importance of removing incentives that attract illegal immigrants, aligning with Trump’s broader immigration agenda. He assured that Florida would not offer any lingering incentives for illegal entry, reinforcing the state’s hardline position on the issue.
President-elect Trump expressed his gratitude towards DeSantis for his proactive approach in a post on Truth Social. He encouraged other governors to follow Florida’s lead in addressing the immigration crisis, highlighting the importance of state-level support for federal policies.
Florida’s leadership is clearly positioning the state as a key ally in Trump’s immigration policies, setting a precedent for others to follow. This collaboration between state and federal levels underscores a coordinated effort to tackle illegal immigration comprehensively.
As Trump prepares to assume office, Florida’s robust stance on illegal immigration is expected to align closely with the incoming administration’s priorities. Sheriff Judd and Governor DeSantis’s actions reflect a united front in addressing this complex issue, signaling a new phase in immigration policy.
2 Comments
get rid of all those people that are not supposed to be here and stop birth citizenships now
Start deputizing true American citizens and we will help clean these illegals out of our country.
Our tax money doesn’t belong to be used on them we have true Americans and Veterans that need our help and we are for that only. We will get all illegals out of our country now.