There was a notable shift in tone from Florida’s State Immigration Enforcement Council following its quarterly meeting on Monday.
The council, which was created last year and is made up of four sheriffs and four police chiefs, said while immigration enforcement remains a priority, not all undocumented immigrants should be treated the same.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd dispelled some rumors that he no longer supports both Florida Gov. DeSantis and President Donald Trump’s immigration efforts.
Judd said he does in fact support mass deportation for those who are criminals and have warrants for deportation, but acknowledges there are many people who don’t fit into that category.
That clarification set the tone for a broader conversation after Judd said council members drew a line between those who pose a threat and those who don’t.
“For those who are adding to the American Dream, who came here illegally but are doing good, they are helping society,” he said. “We need to find a path for them.”
Judd said that Congress should look for a pathway forward for those with no criminal history.
“Set up a system you wave further due process,” he said. “Learning to speak English. You’re working, you’re socially interacting in community, then you can move up to the next level.”
It marks a notable shift in tone in Florida, where Gov. DeSantis pushed for a law last year requiring local and state law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration efforts.