Representative Sheila Cherfilus McCormick (D-FL) has introduced bipartisan legislation extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals in the United States.

In mid-February, the Trump Administration announced that TPS status for 500,000 Haitians in the United States would be revoked on August 3rd, which Rep. Cherfilus McCormick spoke against.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement justifying the decision: "Biden and Mayorkas attempted to tie the hands of the Trump administration by extending Haiti's Protected Status by 18 months—far longer than justified or necessary. We are returning integrity to the TPS system, which has been abused and exploited by illegal aliens for decades. President Trump and Secretary Noem are returning TPS to its original status: temporary."

In a counterstatement, Rep. Cherfilus McCormick emphasized the potential economic impact of abruptly removing half a million people from the country: "The abrupt removal of nearly half a million workers will have an immense and irreparable impact on businesses across the country and our economy at large."

As a result, the Florida Congresswoman and Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Laura Gillen (D-NY) have issued a bipartisan bill extending TPS for another 18 months starting August 3rd, 2025.

"The elimination of TPS for eligible Haitians will have a detrimental ripple effect on our economy, unleashing turmoil and creating pain throughout our country. Alongside my colleagues, I'm leading this bipartisan push to designate TPS for Haitians because it will provide necessary relief for those fleeing chaos and protect South Florida's workforce," said Cherfilus McCormick in her press release.

Similarly, Rep. Lawler stated, "Many Haitians have sought refuge in my district as the security environment in Haiti has spiraled out of control. Given the ongoing violence and instability in Haiti, extending TPS is both a necessity and a humanitarian imperative. I'm proud to work with Congresswoman Gillen to ensure the U.S. upholds its commitment to the Haitian people during this crisis."

Finally, Rep. Gillen added, "The Administration's unfounded decision to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians will have a devastating impact on Long Island. Our neighbors, who have been thoroughly vetted and contribute to our economy and our community, now face being sent back to certain, life-threatening danger. I thank my House colleagues for their bipartisan support on this crucial priority."

The post Cherfilus McCormick Introduces Bipartisan Bill Extending TPS for Haitians appeared first on The Floridian.

Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) have reintroduced a bill to curb the sale of fentanyl online. The legislation is known as the Stopping Online Confusion for Investigative Agencies and Law-enforcement by Maintaining Evidence Determined Interparty Arrangements (SOCIAL MEDIA) Act.

The SOCIAL MEDIA Act aims to promote collaboration and improve comprehensive strategies between law enforcement agencies and social media companies to grant the platforms the best chances to stem the sale of fentanyl online.

According to the previous versions of the bill, the SOCIAL MEDIA Act would allow for better law enforcement coordination in criminal cases with social media platforms by requiring 24/7 staffed-in-the-U.S.A. call centers for fielding information requests with clear guidelines for agencies to best expedite the process.

Sen. Scott declared that Congress must rise to the occasion and attempt to stop the "heartbreaking epidemic" that is the fentanyl crisis.

“As parents and grandparents, we do everything in our power to keep our kids safe, from the dangers in the world, including deadly drugs like fentanyl," said Sen. Scott. "The fentanyl crisis is a heartbreaking epidemic that’s killing more than 70,000 Americans every year – and while President Trump works hard to stop the flow of these drugs into our nation, Congress must take action on our end to address this crisis on every level."

Scott continued, sharing that social media has been a major player in the flow of illicit drugs like fentanyl and the time to do something about it is now.

"I’ve talked to so many parents and law enforcement officers about how these drugs are now making their way to our communities and in our kids’ hands through social media apps, with dealers specifically targeting kids, causing deadly overdoses and getting away with it," said Scott. "Enough is enough. Our bipartisan bill, the SOCIAL MEDIA Act will give law enforcement additional tools to combat deadly fentanyl sales online, hold drug dealers accountable and fight this epidemic to save lives.”

Moreover, Sen. Shaheen added, “The substance use crisis continues to wreak havoc in communities across New Hampshire – and tragically, we’ve seen how social media apps make it easier for young people to get their hands on deadly drugs like fentanyl. Our bipartisan SOCIAL MEDIA Act would crack down on the illicit drug sales happening on social media by strengthening coordination between law enforcement and social media companies to prevent future overdoses.”

The SOCIAL MEDIA Act has been read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

The post Scott Reintroduces Bill to Fight Online Fentanyl Sales appeared first on The Floridian.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared Monday that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) encountered just 200 aliens at the southern border on Saturday, the lowest single apprehension day in over 15 years.

Speaking with Greta Van Susteren on NewsMax, Kristi Noem credited an advertisement run by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) telling illegal immigrants to leave the country or face deportation for its success. Noem herself also thanked President Donald Trump for securing the border and putting America first.

In the video, Noem warned illegal immigrants who did not self-deport and were subsequently caught by DHS would not be allowed to return to the United States. She also called former politicians who left the border wide open "weak", which Noem says "flooded our communities with drugs, human trafficking, and violent criminals."

"We just broke a record in the lowest number of encounters at the southern border, 200, in one day," Noem said to Van Susteren."Where Joe Biden there were 15,000 a day, so it's been amazing what they ads and what President Trump has already done."

Noem also mentioned that the advertisements were being aired in the Middle East and Central America to deter migrants from trying to enter the U.S. illegally.

"Stay where you are. Don't come here. America is not open at our borders anymore. That we put Americans first and this president is going to make America stronger," Noem added.

Since President Donald Trump took office, illegal border crossing apprehensions have drastically dropped.

Just last week, apprehensions at the Texas border were as follows:

• El Paso Sector - 75
• Rio Grande Valley Sector - 33
• Laredo Sector - 12
• Del Rio Sector - 50
• Big Bend Sector - 2

Earlier this month, Fox News's Bill Melugin noted that DHS officials recorded an average of 132 known gotaways per day at the southern border, a 93% decrease from the highs under former President Joe Biden during fiscal year (FY) 2023.

For context, the Biden administration recorded a whopping 670,674 known gotaways in FY 2023 alone or about 1800 per day. The number was also over 600,000 in FY 2022 and nearly 400,000 in FY 2021.

Going back to FY 2010, the number of illegal apprehensions was greater than 100,000 in all but FY 2011.

Noem was confirmed as the 8th Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security by the United States Senate in a 59-34 vote back in January.

“As the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, I will work every day to keep all Americans safe and secure. One of my top priorities is achieving President Trump’s mandate from the American people to secure our southern border and fix our broken immigration system," Noem said on her confirmation.

The post Kristi Noem Celebrates Low Illegal Apprehensions at U.S. Border appeared first on The Floridian.

Representative Sheila Cherfilus McCormick (D-FL) issued a statement after the Trump Administration announced they would rescind Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 500,000 Haitians in the United States, urging reversal.

On Thursday, the new Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, announced that TPS extensions for Haitians in the United States would be rescinded on August 3rd, 2025.

The decision vacated a Biden-Harris Administration decision to extend TPS for Haitians by 18 months, which DHS called "far longer than justified or necessary."

"Biden and Mayorkas attempted to tie the hands of the Trump administration by extending Haiti's Temporary Protected Status by 18 months—far longer than justified or necessary. We are returning integrity to the TPS system, which has been abused and exploited by illegal aliens for decades. President Trump and Secretary Noem are returning TPS to its original status: temporary," a DHS spokeswoman said.

In her response, Rep. Cherfilus McCormick argued that the potential removal of 500,000 workers would affect the economy, as the Haitians living in the U.S. under TPS are also taxpayers.

"The abrupt removal of nearly half a million workers will have an immense and irreparable impact on businesses across the country and our economy at large.  Haitians with TPS status legally work and pay taxes in the U.S. Across the country, they have strengthened our workforce, supporting our airports, our hospitals, our small businesses, and our schools. This decision will jeopardize our national security and significantly affect and damage the economies of numerous communities nationwide. I urge the administration to revisit and reverse this decision," Rep. Cherfilus McCormick said.

In addition to Haiti, the Trump Administration has announced the removal of TPS status for 500,000 Venezuelans in the United States, which has provoked a response from several Republicans.

Florida Reps. Carlos Gimenez (R), Mario Diaz-Balart (R), Maria Elvira Salazar (R), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D), and Weston Commissioner Fabio Andrade are among the locals who also disagree with ending TPS, arguing that law-abiding Venezuelans should not be deported.

Moreover, experts argued that toughening sanctions on the regime of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela would only encourage more to flee the country, rendering the efforts to remove those in the United States pointless.

The post Cherfilus McCormick Argues Against Removal of TPS Status for Haitians appeared first on The Floridian.

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday vetoed the TRUMP Act, a divisive illegal immigration bill, officially slamming the door on the month-long tumult within the Florida Republican party.

The 84-page bill, passed during the second special session of the year, was quietly rejected by DeSantis around 6 p.m. Thursday in what appears to be the final nail in the coffin of the rare legislative rebellion against the governor.

"I have vetoed [the TRUMP Act] because stronger, more aggressive bills have been produced that will further establish Florida as the nation's leader in immigration policy," the governor said in a one-page explanation of his veto. He said these new laws, which he signed at a Tallahassee press conference last week, mark what he had "originally called for."

DeSantis vetoed the measure without press or fanfare, just as President Donald Trump urged Rep. Byron Donalds to run for governor of Florida in 2026. The early endorsement is a shot across the bow to the current governor, who has no relationship with Donalds and allegedly planned to lobby Trump to endorse his wife, Casey DeSantis, for the position over the weekend.

With the veto of the TRUMP Act, Florida's new immigration laws now stand clear of the controversial bill that split Republicans down the middle, leading to bitter remarks and alleged violent threats. The new immigration laws, however, marked a reconciliation between the conservative powerhouses, designed as a sweeping compromise between GOP legislative leaders and DeSantis.

The 62-page package integrated anti-illegal immigration language that both sects had called for, including the mandatory death penalty for illegal immigrants convicted of child rape or murder and the denial of bail for illegal immigrants arrested for forceable felonies. The bundle was carried by the same lawmakers who spearheaded the initial rebellion against DeSantis, Senators Joe Gruters and Randy Fine, who struck a conciliatory note during the third—and final—special session.

This was a far cry from their past rhetoric.

Ahead of DeSantis' first special session at the end of January, Gruters and Fine worked with Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Danny Perez to craft the shock plan to shut down DeSantis' session 15 minutes after it began, killing all of his bills, and starting their own session starring the Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy (TRUMP) Act.

After DeSantis spent a week lambasting the "grotesque" new bill, vowing to veto it as soon as he could, the governor reached a deal with lawmakers to merge his dead immigration bills with the TRUMP Act. The resulting legislation created a State Board of Immigration Enforcement, made up of the governor and his cabinet, and introduced state crimes for illegally entering Florida.

The laws also increase penalties for any misdemeanor or felony committed by an unauthorized migrant and nix in-state tuition for undocumented college students.

Notably, they leave out any reference to cracking down on illegal immigrants in the workforce—an omission that Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo has sworn to fix with a new bill mandating all employers use E-Verify, an online system checking prospective employees' legal status.

The post DeSantis Closes Out Legislative Battle, Vetoes Controversial TRUMP Act appeared first on The Floridian.

TALLAHASSEE—Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a package of anti-illegal immigration measures Thursday, closing out the third special session of the year and slamming the door on a bout of ferocious infighting between him and GOP legislative leaders.

The package, which includes two stringent bills and a resolution urging federal assistance, is a compromise between DeSantis and the same lawmakers who rebelled against the governor last month: Senators Joe Gruters and Randy Fine. After a combined six hours of debate across both chambers, all measures passed.

DeSantis signed them less than an hour after the second chamber, the House, approved them.

"Today, the Florida Legislature has passed the strongest legislation to combat illegal immigration of any state in the entire country,” DeSantis said after the session, before shrugging off the weeks of brutal rhetoric he had exchanged with lawmakers over immigration policy. "Politics is weird because you can skirmish...but then you may be strong allies at something going forward...I have no hard feelings at all."

On the Senate Floor, bill sponsor Fine struck a different note, remarking how much "grief" he, Gruters, and the Senate President had gotten from the governor's team and Democrats.

"[Gruters] and I and the president have taken a lot of grief for having done this," he said. He then transitioned to the heart of his package—anti-illegal immigration enforcement. "[The left] has come up with the idea, that I find incredibly offensive, that a group of people who are here illegally are 'dreamers.'

"There are 193 countries in the world—we didn't swear an oath to help the other 192," Fine continued. "The dreamers that I worry about are the 2,000 students we know are not going to a Florida university of their choice because an illegal immigrant is there."

The 62-page package combines elements of the bill passed during the last special session—the TRUMP Act—and DeSantis's slew of failed immigration bills filed during the first special session. This new bundle involves SB 2C, which eliminates in-state tuition rates for undocumented students, and SB 4C, which requires the death penalty for illegal immigrants who commit capital crimes.

The bills did not pass easily.

Democrats across chambers filed 16 amendments to blunt the measures' harsher edges, but all failed. Republican Sen. Ileana Garcia voted against the death penalty bill and criticized the elimination of in-state tuition for undocumented students, calling it "petty." She joined another Miami Republican, Sen. Alexis Calatayud, in promising to help those students finish their degrees after the bill takes effect.

"I did have a problem with what I consider to be the targeting of the 6,500 students receiving in-state tuition," she said. "I just thought it was petty and I'm not sure that President Trump was focused on this."

Minority Leader Jason Pizzo agreed, questioning why incarcerated murderers can receive a free education but undocumented college students will be denied discounted tuition.

"I don't want to foot the bill anymore for rapists and murderers to have the same things you're looking to take away from students," Pizzo said.

The death penalty bill, 4C, passed 25-11 in the Senate and 85-29 in the House. The tuition bill, 2C, passed 27-10 in the Senate and 85-30 in the House.

The post DeSantis Signs GOP's Compromise Immigration Bill Targeting Tuition, Death Penalty appeared first on The Floridian.

TALLAHASSEE—The Department of Homeland Security asked Gov. Ron DeSantis to enter into an agreement allowing state officers to investigate and detain illegal immigrants in alignment with President Donald Trump's executive orders.

He said yes.

"We're proud to be one of the first states in the nation to be requested to enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to execute functions of immigration enforcement," DeSantis announced at a Friday press conference from the state Capitol. "[We will have] our state troopers trained and approved by ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement]."

After Texas, Florida is the second state to make a pact with DHS on immigration enforcement efforts. This will include expanding the Florida Highway Patrol's powers to allow them to interrogate "any suspected alien or person believed to be an alien as to their right to be in the United States."

It will also empower state and local authorities to detain illegal immigrants and deliver them "without any unnecessary delays" to ICE for further screening and deportation.

"With the head of steam that President Trump has being swept into office with this as the centerpiece of his agenda, now is the final opportunity to end the illegal immigration crisis in this country once and for all," DeSantis added. He referred to Trump enacting 34 anti-illegal immigration policies on his first day in office.

Last week, DeSantis signed a nearly identical Memorandum of Understanding between highway patrol and DHS granting a similar expansion of powers within Florida enforcement circles, though this week, DeSantis said, DHS approached Florida first for an agreement.

It points to his increasing attempts to walk in lockstep with the Trump administration, particularly on immigration issues. Earlier this week, DeSantis backed Trump's controversial decision to revoke protections shielding certain Venezuelan migrants from deportation.

The immigration issue came to the forefront of Florida political conversations after DeSantis ordered a special session to address ten anti-illegal immigration bills he helped craft. Scheduled for the last week of January, DeSantis said it was to help Florida move in tandem with the incoming Trump administration.

The GOP-led Legislature had other plans.

In a rare rebellion, they adjourned the session 15 minutes after it began before calling in their own session starring an anti-illegal immigration bill titled the TRUMP Act. Despite DeSantis's disapproval (he embarked on a statewide tour blasting it as "grotesque" and "weak"), they passed the bill.

DeSantis has vowed to veto the measure once it reaches his desk.

The post Homeland Security Asks Florida to Train Officers on Immigration Enforcement: DeSantis Says Yes appeared first on The Floridian.

Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL) is introducing legislation to immediately deport and prevent the reentry of illegal aliens involved in criminal gangs.

In addition to these provisions, the Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act denies illegal aliens found to be members of criminal gangs the right to asylum, temporary protected status (TPS), and special immigrant juvenile status, as current law cannot deport gang members until they commit an independent crime.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recorded over 17,000 arrests of aliens with criminal convictions in Fiscal Year 2024, while Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested just under 6,000 gang members in Fiscal Year 2018.

To an extent, Rep. Buchanan's bill builds upon the Laken Riley Act, which immediately deports illegal immigrants who have been arrested for shoplifting, assault against police officers, and crimes that result in death or serious bodily injury that President Donald Trump signed into law at the end of January.

In his press release, the Florida Congressman said, "Violent criminal illegals have no place in our country," condemning the Biden Administration's lax border policies for the deaths of Laken Riley, Jocelyn Nungaray, and other victims of illegal alien violent crime.

"If the Biden administration had been doing its job, Laken Riley, Jocelyn Nungaray, and countless others murdered by criminal illegals would still be alive. Congress needs to pass my Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act to make sure violent criminal illegals are immediately deported and never allowed to enter our country again," Buchanan declared.

Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua has been a prominent example of illegal alien gang activity in the United States in recent months, with members known to take over several apartment buildings in Aurora, Colorado.

"It's like an invasion from within, and we're going to have the largest deportation in the history of our country, and we're going to start with Springfield and Aurora," President Trump said on the campaign trail in October while also referencing the controversy surrounding Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio for supposedly eating pets.

The post Buchanan Introduces Bill to Deport and Prevent Reentry of Illegal Alien Gang Members appeared first on The Floridian.

While the Florida State Legislature is enduring a power struggle over immigration, the Peach State appears to have a more concrete plan in alignment with President Donald Trump's (R) administration. Georgia Lt. Governor Burt Jones (R), the President of the Georgia State Senate, announced a war on fentanyl in lockstep with President Trump's administration. The Georgia Lt. Gov has introduced the Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act for the 2025 legislative session, with State Senator Russ Goodman (R-GA) sponsoring the legislation establishing "stiffer criminal penalties for fentanyl offenses."

The optics of this in comparison to Florida's current situation might have seemed confusing to residents of both states just a few years ago. While the hatchet seems to have been mostly buried, President Trump and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp (R) have had a history that includes name-calling and accusations of RINO (Republican In Name Only) status.

However, it appears those fences have been mended.

Critics of Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) would argue, "Well, at least Gov. Kemp didn't try to run against President Trump in 2024." But as of now, it doesn't seem DeSantis is necessarily not in good graces with Trump either. Trump did in fact thank DeSantis for calling the Jan. 27 special session to address illegal immigration; a session that the state legislature gaveled in, gaveled out, and gaveled back into their own session.

Therefore, the disunity in the Florida GOP isn't really about Trump at all. But it is creating a roadblock to the efficiency and efficacy of the Trump agenda. Who's to blame for it is a matter of opinion.

Nevertheless, it appears the Republicans in Georgia are mostly unified around a concrete effort to help the Trump administration combat fentanyl trafficking in Georgia, and that is what Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is attempting to address.

Georgia's Lt. Gov. shared that this initiative will build upon the previous year's efforts in the state upper chamber and address fentanyl pushers "to the fullest extent of the law" in the Peach State.

“This Act continues efforts the Senate led on in 2024 to address fentanyl deaths in Georgia, with the passage of Austin’s Law. The proposed legislation complements our ongoing priority to combat opioid abuse across the state and to hold those who poison our communities with illicit substances like fentanyl accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Many of these criminals are bringing this poison across the border illegally," said the Georgia Lt. Gov.

Jones continued, stating that President Donald Trump's (R) administration will help Georgia "fight back" against this crisis.

"Georgia will continue to fight back. With the support of President Trump and the new Administration working tirelessly to secure the border, this is a fight we can and must win. This legislation and the enforcement of ‘Austin’s Law’ will help to prevent the senseless deaths of Georgians," concluded Jones.

According to Lt. Gov. Jones' press release, the Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act was filed with the Secretary of Senate’s Office on Monday. The bill removes fentanyl from Georgia’s current statutes relating to possessing, selling, distributing, manufacturing, and trafficking opiates and creates a separate schedule of offenses specific to fentanyl and its related substances. The bill would go into effect on July 1, 2025, and would apply to criminal offenses committed on or after that date.

This move from the Lt. Gov. comes as the Trump administration is attempting to crack down on fentanyl from both the southern border with Mexico and the northern border with Canada.

After threatening tariffs with the two nations, President Trump received concessions from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. They both agreed to put approximately 10,000 troops on their respective borders and the Canadians will put forth over $1 billion toward border enforcement.

The post Georgia Lt. Gov: Trump Will Help Georgia 'Fight Back' Against Fentanyl Trafficking appeared first on The Floridian.

President Donald Trump (R) has announced that a deal has been brokered between the United States and Mexico to lift their competing tariffs against each other. As part of the agreement, Mexico will supply 10,000 troops to the border in an attempt to curb the influx of drug trafficking (specifically fentanyl). The United States has agreed to prevent "high-powered weapons" trafficking south.

The agreement is good for one month.

Here is President Trump's statement that he released on Truth Social, mentioning former Senator and current Secretary of State Marco Rubio's involvement in the deal:

"I just spoke with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico. It was a very friendly conversation wherein she agreed to immediately supply 10,000 Mexican Soldiers on the Border separating Mexico and the United States. These soldiers will be specifically designated to stop the flow of fentanyl, and illegal migrants into our Country. We further agreed to immediately pause the anticipated tariffs for a one month period during which we will have negotiations headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and high-level Representatives of Mexico. I look forward to participating in those negotiations, with President Sheinbaum, as we attempt to achieve a 'deal' between our two Countries."

Vice President J.D. Vance (R) was proud and gloated over the likely success of the deal despite previous political blowback that the Trump administration received over the tariffs. Opponents of the move have argued that foreign tariffs would only affect American citizens.

VP Vance believes this deal puts that criticism to bed, asking, "How do you like them apples?"

For three days a lot of the far left has actively rooted against America and argued we’d get nothing out of President Trunp’s demands that Mexico secure its country.

Well, how do you like them apples? pic.twitter.com/NBpkRHXjko

— JD Vance (@JDVance) February 3, 2025

"For three days a lot of the far left has actively rooted against America and argued we’d get nothing out of President Trunp’s demands that Mexico secure its country. Well, how do you like them apples?" said VP Vance.

This deal between the countries evades a 25% tariff that the United States was going to enforce on Tuesday. At the time of writing, the United States is also set to levy tariffs on Canada and China on Tuesday as well. President Trump will to talk to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau later Monday afternoon.

The post Trump to Lift Mexican Tariffs, Mexico to Supply 10,000 Troops at Border appeared first on The Floridian.

Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) have reintroduced the Afghan Vetting Accountability Act, a bill that will attempt to make necessary changes to "ensure full screening and vetting of evacuees to keep our nation safe." After former President Joe Biden's (D) botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a report in 2022 detailing the administration's failure to properly vet the more than 79,000 Afghan refugees let into the United States.

The OIG found that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) "may have admitted or paroled individuals into the United States who pose a risk to national security and the safety of local communities." President Donald Trump (R) has paused the U.S. refugee program since arriving at the White House on Jan. 20.

Sen. Scott stated that President Biden's withdrawal was "an international embarrassment" that led to terrorists gaining control in the region.

“President Joe Biden’s botched withdrawal from Afghanistan was an international embarrassment and massive national security failure that led to the loss of 13 American soldiers and put Americans at risk both abroad and on U.S. soil," said Scott. "Not only was the United States humiliated in our exit from the country, allowing a full and immediate takeover by the Taliban, Biden allowed thousands of evacuees to come into the United States without comprehensive vetting simply because they showed up to the airport, including violent individuals and a dangerous terrorist."

Furthermore, the former Florida governor mentioned that President Trump is justified in reviewing the refugee program.

"The United States is a welcoming country with gratitude to those who have helped us, but President Trump is absolutely right to review this program, and make serious changes to ensure the safety of both Americans and those who helped us overseas. My Afghan Vetting Accountability Act will ensure full vetting of evacuees before they enter our nation and better coordination between federal, state and local law enforcement working to keep our families safe," concluded Scott.

Moreover, Sen. Ernst said, “We have already seen the dangers of the Biden administration’s vetting failures. I am protecting Americans by ensuring that those already here and anyone seeking to enter are able to pass the highest levels of scrutiny and vetting. The safety of our citizens must always come first.”

Per Sen. Scott's press release, the Afghan Vetting Accountability Act would accomplish the following:

Require the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner to:

• Immediately identify evacuees from Afghanistan who arrived in the U.S. between July 2021 and January 2022 and provide evidence of full screening and vetting based on confirmed identification of those evacuees.
• Ensure that recurring and periodic vetting processes for all paroled evacuees are carried out for the duration of their parole period in the U.S.
• Provide evidence to the Director of National Intelligence, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Attorney General, and relevant law enforcement agencies at the state and local levels that the full screening, vetting, and recurring vetting processes have been completed.

Require the Secretary of Homeland Security and the DHS Office of Inspector General to issue a report to Congress no later than 180 days after the date of enactment, detailing the results of screening and vetting efforts, including the number of evacuees who were ineligible for admission to the U.S. and the specific reasons for their ineligibility.

The post Scott Introduces Bill to Properly Vet Afghan Refugees appeared first on The Floridian.

Miami-Dade County Democratic Party Chair and immigration attorney Laura Kelley has released a video directed toward illegal immigrants should they encounter the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). With President Donald Trump (R) facilitating raids against illegal immigrants across the country, the Miami-Dade County Democrat Chair reminds migrants to know their rights should they encounter ICE.

Miami-Dade Chair @Kelley4Florida is an immigration attorney with guidance for Floridians targeted by raids.

Here’s what to do if ICE visits your home, church or school: pic.twitter.com/3zIVcrXvyf

— Florida Democrats (@FlaDems) January 31, 2025

"In the United States of America, undocumented immigrants have constitutional rights first, ICE agents or their deputies cannot enter a home without a valid search warrant signed by a judge," Kelley begins. "Deportation warrants from the Department of Homeland Security do not count. Any warrant that is presented should be closely inspected before agreeing to comply, and if at all possible, don't open the door but ask to see the warrant by having it slipped under the door or held up to a window."

Furthermore, the Democrat immigration attorney shares that illegal immigrants do not have to respond to questions from ICE and that they have the right to remain silent at all times.

"Second, undocumented immigrants do not have to answer ICE's questions, including where they were born or how they entered the United States. They can choose to state I remain silent. Nevertheless, if an undocumented immigrant has been present for more than two years in the United States, I recommend they gather proof and have copies readily accessible," Kelley says.

Moreover, Kelley mentions that immigrants should not produce documents, share their country of origin, or sign any documents they don't understand as they are not required to do so.

"Third, undocumented immigrants are not required to show documents indicating their country of origin. However, they should never present false documents or lie," said Kelley. "Four, if detained, individuals can request to speak to a lawyer and request a free call to their lawyer or family. They should refuse to sign documents without understanding them, and may ask for a list of pro bono lawyers if necessary, and if you already have a lawyer, I recommend carrying a hard copy of their contact information with you at all times."

The Miami-Dade County Democrat Chair concludes by recommending to potential detainees to never drive without a license and hire an "experienced and licensed attorney" to handle their case.

"Finally, immigration detainees have the right to speak to their country's consulate for assistance. That said, I highly recommend that no one, including undocumented immigrants, drive without a license. I also strongly recommend that you ensure that your legal representative is an experienced and licensed attorney. In the United States, it is not legal for 'notarios' or paralegals to give legal advice under any circumstances," concluded Kelley.

The post Miami-Dade Democrat Party Chair Issues Advice to Illegal Immigrants Encountering ICE appeared first on The Floridian.

Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) is introducing legislation aimed at tightening the rules for claiming asylum in the United States in response to large numbers of illegal aliens abusing the system under the Biden Administration.

Named the Refugees Using Legal Entry Safely (RULES) Act, Rep. Luna's bill modifies asylum laws in several ways, including a rule that entering the United States to claim asylum can only be done through a legal port of entry.

Additionally, applicants must remain in federal custody until their cases are adjudicated, not released or paroled into the country. Third, individuals previously denied asylum cannot reapply, nor can individuals who had previously entered the United States illegally claim asylum.

Rep. Luna's legislation is the House companion bill to the Senate version introduced by Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH), whom she referenced in her press release statement.

"The days of open-border chaos are over. I'm joining Senator Moreno in introducing the RULES Act to put an end to the rampant fraud and abuse in our asylum system. America is a nation of law and order—not a free-for-all for illegal aliens gaming the system," the Florida Congresswoman declared.

Moreover, she added, "If you want asylum in the greatest country on Earth, you follow our rules, period. No more loopholes, no more catch-and-release, no more second chances for lawbreakers. We are taking our border back."

Luna has been a ferocious critic of the Biden Administration's border policies, saying in October 2023 that the lax enforcement of laws could enable a terrorist attack on American soil.

The following December, she posted a video urging for the drafting, passage, and enforcement of a bill to secure the border unattached to other pieces of the legislature as news circulated of a migrant caravan heading north from Mexico, saying, "So to hear that this is somehow a humanitarian thing, and we need to just blanket wave these people in. One, it is stupid, but also it is a political talking point. And let me be clear about something. We absolutely have the ability to stop this, and we should."

In 2024, Luna further denounced Biden's policies, likening the June executive order the former President issued to "being in an abusive relationship with the federal government because this is an issue of [Biden's] own creation."

Later in October, the Florida Congresswoman said Vice President Kamala Harris "needs to have a talk with God" for her apparent enabling of human trafficking perpetrated along the border.

The post Luna Introduces Bill Tightening Asylum Admission Rules appeared first on The Floridian.

Gov. Ron DeSantis floated the idea of flying immigrants illegally in Florida to the Guantanamo Bay detention center, aligning with President Donald Trump's plan to house "high-priority criminal aliens" at the U.S.-controlled facility in Cuba.

At a press conference in Destin on Friday, DeSantis hinted he wants Florida to assist in—and even send their own—criminal migrants to Guantanamo Bay, most known for imprisoning suspected terrorists. He noted that the Cuban facility is closer than Martha's Vineyard, where he previously sent Venezuelan migrants in 2022.

"I think it'd be a great place to have criminal aliens," DeSantis said. "We're gonna be able to assist, maybe transferring over to the feds, the feds fly [the illegal immigrants] in, but you know what? Guantanamo Bay is a hell of a lot closer to Florida than Martha's Vineyard."

The governor referred to the controversial decision to fly 50 migrants from Texas to Martha's Vineyard in 2022, earning him a slew of litigation that he has—so far—fended off. While those migrants had not been accused of crimes—as Trump's order would require—DeSantis hinted at the idea nonetheless.

"We're in the game, too," he said, suggesting Florida may charter its own planes of criminal illegal migrants to Cuba.

Under Florida's Unauthorized Alien Transport Program, state authorities can relocate migrants without legal status to other parts of the country—as they did to Martha's Vineyard and Sacramento—though it's unclear if that would apply to Guantanamo, a U.S.-controlled facility located in Cuba.

But Joe Lackey, a Florida immigration attorney, told The Floridian it would be "completely illegal."

"Governor DeSantis is acting completely illegally if he flies undocumented immigrants outside of the state of Florida and outside of the United States to Guantanamo Bay," he said via text message. "But, since he never faced any legal ramifications for his last stunt, he is only emboldened to try it again."

The U.S. has had a Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay since 1903 when they leased 45 square miles of the area from the Cuban government. Construction on a detention facility began in 2002 to house suspected terrorists, including those accused of carrying out the 9/11 attacks in Manhattan.

The facility came under fire soon after, accused of violating the Geneva Convention by torturing and abusing prisoners.

The Governor's Office did not respond to a request for comment.

The post 'We're in the Game, Too': DeSantis Ponders Flying Criminal Migrants to Guantanamo Bay appeared first on The Floridian.

Representative Cory Mills (R-FL) discussed President Donald Trump's recent memorandum ordering the detainment of 30,000 criminal illegal aliens in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in a recent appearance on Fox Business's Varney & Co., saying it is "not a bad idea."

President Trump announced the plan in a recent press conference, saying Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem would coordinate the transfer of the worst criminal migrants, describing them as "so bad, we don't even trust their countries to hold them because we don't want them coming back."

Rep. Mills compared the proposed system to supermax prisons in the United States, adding that it "is not actually a bad idea. I think this is actually a very smart idea."

"Not only does it not put them on American soil, but it opens beds for others and also gives us a chance to go ahead and continue its adjudication process where President Trump, who had record justices at our borders, is able to continue the process while we continue to try and deport," Rep. Mills added. 

Moreover, such a system allows the continued safety of Americans "so we do not have things like the Laken Riley Act that needs to be signed, and we do not have continuations of fentanyl crossing our borders that are killing Americans on a daily basis."

Host Stuart Varney asked the Florida Congressman if countries that sent migrants to the United States would send planes to Guantanamo to pick up their citizens, which Mills argued has already happened, pointing to the recent incident between Trump and Colombia's President Gustavo Petro.

"Not only are they now sending their own planes to save us money in their deportation efforts, but they are trying to assist us in every way. President Trump has demonstrated peace through strength. Colombia tried to call our bluff, the President stood strong and started to impose tariffs and get things in place, and they changed their mind. It should be the exact same thing where we utilize Guantanamo as a lily pad, so they [countries] can come and get them [illegal aliens] there as opposed to keeping them on U.S. soil," Mills concluded.

The post Mills Discusses Trump's Guantanamo Holding Facility for Illegal Aliens, 'Not a Bad Idea' appeared first on The Floridian.

Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) have introduced the Stop Human Trafficking of Unaccompanied Migrant Children Act. This bill attempts to curb the human trafficking of unaccompanied migrant children through "comprehensive vetting procedures of sponsors, regular monitoring and updates on the child’s well-being."

Last August, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General Report found that President Biden's administration had failed to consistently “monitor the location and status of unaccompanied migrant children” to the number of 300,000, who are “at risk of sex trafficking, forced labor and other forms of exploitation.”

Sen. Scott stated that former President Joe Biden (D) "allowed this to happen" through his administration's policies.

“It is terrifying to think that over 300,000 young, innocent children have been brought into this nation, potentially forced into unsafe conditions and at risk for human trafficking," said Sen. Scott. "As a parent or grandparent, it’s unimaginable to think what might happen to these children, and that former president Joe Biden allowed this to happen by completely dismantling our immigration system and opening our southern border, completely ignoring the consequences or the tolls on human life."

The former Florida governor continued, sharing his support for the moves President Donald Trump (R) has already made in the first few days of his second term concerning the border and human trafficking.

"Thank God President Trump is in office and has already made incredible strides to secure our border and find the thousands of migrant children unaccounted for and at risk under Joe Biden. Our bill, the Stop Human Trafficking of Unaccompanied Migrant Children Act, will support President Trump’s actions by making critical changes to fix Biden’s broken process and protect innocent children from being trafficked in our nation," concluded Scott.

Furthermore, Sen. Johnson added that the Biden Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) "made a mockery" of the sponsor system, and contributed to the rise in trafficked children.

“The Biden administration’s open border policies resulted in an explosion of unaccompanied migrant children arriving at our southern border," said Sen. Johnson. "Biden’s HHS then compounded this lunacy by making a mockery of its duty to ensure these children were placed with properly vetted sponsors who would ensure their safety. In just the first two years of the Biden administration, HHS lost track of over 85,000 children with many of them being exploited for labor and even sex trafficking."

Johnson continued, demanding a solution to the immigration system and human trafficking across the border.

"We need to fix our broken immigration system to reduce the number of unaccompanied children entering the country illegally. But those that do come here need to be cared for appropriately, and this legislation would ensure that HHS thoroughly vet sponsors before releasing any children and keep track of them post release," concluded Johnson.

According to Sen. Scott's press release, the Stop Human Trafficking of Unaccompanied Migrant Children Act would accomplish the following:

This bill requires a number of steps to be taken in the pre-release and post-release process when HHS places a UAC with a prospective sponsor:

• Establishes Comprehensive Vetting Standards: Requires background checks, including fingerprinting, criminal history, and child abuse checks, for all prospective sponsors of unaccompanied migrant children to ensure their safety.
• Ensures Proper Screening of Adult Household Members: Mandates that all adults in the household of a sponsor undergo the same vetting process as the primary sponsor to prevent unsafe placements.
• Limits Placements with Illegal Aliens: Prohibits releasing unaccompanied children to sponsors who are unlawfully present in the U.S., unless the sponsor is a biological parent, legal guardian, or relative.
• Requires Pre- and Post-Release Monitoring: Implements pre-release home visits and a minimum of five unannounced post-release visits within the first year to monitor the child's safety and well-being.
• Mandates Ongoing Reports and Retroactive Vetting: Requires monthly reports on the status of children placed with sponsors and retroactively vets all past sponsors to ensure compliance with the new standards.

The post Scott Introduces Bill to Fight Child Trafficking Through Proper Vetting of Sponsors appeared first on The Floridian.

Senator Rick Scott (R-TX) has joined Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) in introducing the Stop Illegal Reentry Act, also known as Kate’s Law. While President Donald Trump (R) is undergoing public ICE raids throughout the country, Sens. Scott, Cruz, and other GOP members are taking the legislative route to impose the legal system upon illegal immigrants.

Kate's Law mandates a mandatory five-year prison sentence for an illegal immigrant who has multiple convictions or a conviction for an aggravated felony.

The bill was also co-sponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-WI), James Lankford (R-OK), Ted Budd (R-NC), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Jim Justice (R-WV). Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK) introduced the companion legislation in the lower chamber.

Sen. Scott shared that after President Biden's administration, the reelection of President Trump will facilitate a period of law and order relating to illegal immigrants once again.

“It is shocking to think that an illegal alien can repeatedly enter our country, be removed, and subsequently re-enter the country illegally without serious consequences, especially when that illegal alien is convicted of violent crimes," said Sen. Scott. "After four years of Joe Biden’s open border and soft-on-crime policies allowing this to happen, it is no wonder families feel unsafe in their everyday lives and overwhelmingly elected President Trump to restore law and order."

Furthermore, Sen. Scott stated that this law would curb illegal immigrant crime.

"Kate’s Law will equip federal law enforcement to crack down on and deter repeated illegal border crossers, and will hold violent illegal aliens accountable to stop them from causing harm in our communities," said Scott.

Moreover, Sen. Cruz mentioned that this legislation has been a decade in the making and urged his colleagues to pass it quickly.

“I first introduced the Stop Illegal Reentry Act, also known as Kate’s Law, a decade ago. It is named in honor of Kate Steinle, who was murdered by an illegal alien and convicted felon who had reentered our country," said Sen. Cruz.

He added, "President Trump and the new Republican Congress are taking decisive action to restore order and address the chaos created by the Biden administration. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and pass it expeditiously."

The post Scott, Cruz Reintroduce 'Kate's Law' to Curb Violent Illegal Immigrant Crime appeared first on The Floridian.

Journalist and activist Laura Loomer posted a video to X (formerly Twitter) claiming Representative Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) said Cubans, Haitians, Venezuelans, and Nicaraguans in the United States have no criminal record, which earned a response from the Florida Congresswoman.

"WATCH: Republican Congresswoman Maria Salazar @RepMariaSalazar Claims ILLEGAL Aliens from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua Have No Criminal Record! Someone let this Congresswoman know that illegal entry is a CRIME!" Loomer posted.

Within the clip, Loomer claimed Rep. Salazar is "calling for the protection of illegal aliens in her district," repeating points from White House deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller's recent appearance on CNN with Jake Tapper that illegal entry into the United States is a federal crime, and thus using that to render Rep. Salazar's supposed "call for protection" moot.

As a result, Loomer called for Salazar to be primaried.

The Florida Congresswoman replied to Loomer's post, saying, "Hey @LauraLoomer, you're wrong! These folks aren't here illegally… they are LEGAL migrants. They followed the law. Want to correct your video, or should I?"

Hey @LauraLoomer, you’re wrong! These folks aren’t here illegally… they are LEGAL migrants. They followed the law. Want to correct your video or should I? https://t.co/rV6DV5karw

— Rep. María Elvira Salazar (@RepMariaSalazar) January 29, 2025

The journalist quickly responded with a lengthy post accusing Salazar of "lying from your own Congressional account."

"Your own letter admits that the Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans that you are advocating for belong to populations that qualify for DEPORTATION under the Trump Admin. They wouldn't be facing deportation if they were legal, as you are falsely stating. In the yellow section I highlighted for you, you admitted that these illegals you are advocating for were "protected" under "dubious legal grounds" under the Biden admin," Loomer continued.

As a result, she further said, "That is an Admission that they are not supposed to be here, and the Biden admin abused our legal system to provide people who would not qualify to enter our country under any other circumstance protection through a fraudulent "parole" process that DHS itself was forced to admit was fraudulent."

Congresswoman @RepMariaSalazar

I am not wrong. You are now lying from your own Congressional account.

Here is the letter you sent out on your Congressional letterhead (paid for by US taxpayers).

Your own letter admits that the Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans… pic.twitter.com/El2CNTqmsE

— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) January 29, 2025

"If they were here legally, their deportation status would not be up for debate. Read your own letter," Loomer concluded.

The post Salazar and Laura Loomer Fight on X About Cubans, Haitians, Venezuelans, and Nicaraguans' Legality appeared first on The Floridian.