01 OCT 2021

Statement on Florida Governor DeSantis’ Actions Against Migrants

Washington, DC — On Tuesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration and issued an executive order under the pretense of protecting Floridians from migrants — including refugees, children and other vulnerable individuals — being relocated to the state. The governor called on state agencies to withhold assistance, and ordered a series of scare tactics, including the gathering of information on the number and identities of individual migrants and stricter e-verify enforcement, placing targets on the backs of agencies, children and families.

In response, Sergio Gonzales, Executive Director of the Immigration Hub, stated:

“Governor DeSantis’ actions waste tax-payer dollars and capitalize on racist ‘invasion’ rhetoric and the vilification of migrants and refugees. The ordered detention of vehicles suspected of transporting undocumented migrants is just one example of egregious actions that will result in increased racial profiling and other discriminatory actions against immigrants and people of color. In Texas, similar tactics employed by Governor Abbott have faced push back with 200 immigrants ordered released by the district courts due to unconstitutional detention. Claiming he is acting ‘to protect Floridians’ is reprehensible given DeSantis’ utter failure in the face of the COVID-19 crisis that has claimed more than 53,000 Floridian lives. He has chosen to target immigrants as a distraction from his own negligent and reckless response to the pandemic that has fueled a massive spread of COVID-19 in his state.

“DeSantis’ actions against immigrants and the narratives behind them sadly align with a broader Republican strategy to promote harmful racist stereotypes against immigrants and fuel fear as they obstruct immigration solutions. DeSantis, and other Republicans using the same playbook, must stop politicizing public health and the lives of families, regardless of their immigration status. Their actions are a shameless affront to Florida, its rich immigrant culture, and a diverse workforce at the frontlines of the pandemic.”

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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.