Florida is taking immigration enforcement into its own hands with the first arrest under Governor Ron DeSantis’s tough new law. A Mexican man, previously deported in 2019, now faces serious state-level charges in what could signal a dramatic shift in how states handle illegal reentry cases. DeSantis just keeps getting better!
At a glance:
- Felipe Hernandez-Chavarin becomes the first person arrested under Florida’s new immigration law
- Hernandez-Chavarin was arrested in Brevard County for trespassing and illegal re-entry after being deported in 2019
- Florida’s new law, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, makes illegal re-entry a state crime with mandatory minimum sentences
- Previously, immigration enforcement was solely handled by federal agencies
- The Florida State Board of Immigration Enforcement has launched a portal for reporting immigration policy violations
First Arrest Under Florida’s New Immigration Law
Florida officials have made their first arrest under the state’s new immigration law, targeting a Mexican national who had previously been deported. Felipe Hernandez-Chavarin was apprehended in Brevard County after allegedly trespassing on private property, leading authorities to discover his immigration history.
A Fish and Wildlife officer observed Hernandez-Chavarin entering a locked gate with a ‘no trespassing’ sign at Willowbrook Farms in Palm Bay. The Mexican national was reportedly at the farm attempting to catch fish with a net in the farm’s canals when he was discovered by law enforcement.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Hernandez-Chavarin had been deported from the United States in 2019. This prior removal triggered the application of Florida’s new law, which makes re-entering the state after deportation a third-degree felony.
DeSantis Takes Bold Stance on Immigration
Governor Ron DeSantis celebrated the enforcement action on social media, writing: “Great job enforcing our recently enacted legislation to fight illegal immigration!”
The new law represents a significant shift in immigration enforcement by making it a state crime for “unauthorized aliens” to enter Florida.
Other states should do this, too!
Hernandez-Chavarria now faces a mandatory minimum prison term of one year and one day if convicted. He is currently being held in the Brevard County jail without bond while awaiting further legal proceedings.
Florida Creates New Immigration Enforcement Infrastructure
The Florida State Board of Immigration Enforcement has taken additional steps to ensure compliance with the state’s new immigration policies. The board recently launched a portal for law enforcement officers to report agencies not enforcing the new laws.
“This reporting system will provide a direct channel for officers and employees to report any failure by their agency to comply with Florida’s immigration enforcement policies. Let there be no misunderstanding—Florida law will be enforced,” said Larry Keefe, a State Immigration official.
