ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. — New perspectives are surfacing from state law enforcement when it comes to undocumented immigrants.
A Central Florida sheriff is advocating for those who contribute to society. He says mass deportation efforts should be focused on criminals.
This comes amid Gov. Ron DeSantis growing efforts to crack down on illegal immigration in Florida. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says immigration isn’t one-size-fits-all.
This whole conversation started at the latest “Immigration Enforcement Council” meeting. This board was created in 2025.
Judd is the chairman of the state’s Immigration Enforcement Council. Its goal is to provide insight to decisionmakers in Tallahassee.
This week, the board suggested creating pathways for undocumented immigrants who are not criminals.
Polk County Sheriff Judd is clarifying his stance on illegal immigration in the state of Florida. He says his prior comments on enforcement were misinterpreted by the media.
“We, in fact, support the mass deportation of illegal aliens, those that are criminals,” Judd said. “Those that have warrants of deportation, those that are here creating havoc and problems.”
The Republican sheriff says undocumented immigrants “doing good” in society should not face deportation.
Immigrants who were brought here by their parents, ones who have jobs, married to Americans, and aren’t on government assistance. Judd says it’s those people that need a path forward.
“All we’re doing is setting priorities and giving an exit ramp to those who came here inappropriately and illegally, but to enjoy the American dream,” said Judd.
Judd suggested there should be a standard for those who would qualify. The immigrant can’t have a criminal history.
He also says they would be required to speak English, and prove a positive integration into society. The sheriff says those who are undocumented should be fined for their immigration status.
“If Congress would do their job and deal with this group, then it frees us up to focus on those that are committing crime,” Judd said.
WEAR News reached out to some Northwest Florida sheriff’s offices for their stance on immigration enforcement.
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons sent a statement to WEAR News saying the following:
Our Federal partners will never have to wonder if we will support them because we will. You will not see some of the things you see in other states here in Escambia County. That being the case, we are not going around doing raids every day. Our priority has always been those who have committed crimes.
Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden shared the following statement with WEAR News:
Obviously with a complex issue like immigration, law enforcement leaders across Florida may have differing perspectives. Our position at the OCSO remains clear and consistent. Our agency supports enforcing the laws as they are written.
Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson declined to comment.
This is just a suggestion right now. Any future decisions on pathways forward for undocumented immigrants would be left up to Congress.