Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and other members of Florida’s State Immigration Enforcement Council called for a pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants without criminal records, marking a significant shift from the state’s hardline immigration policies. The council, comprised of four sheriffs and four police chiefs, met Monday to discuss immigration enforcement priorities amid ongoing federal mass deportation efforts.
“Those are the folks we need in this country that we embrace, because we are a country of immigrants,” said Judd, who serves as council chair. “But we have allowed, what I call the criminal troublemaker, to just flood in this country and victimize people. And I think a path for the good folks with a good intention, for the right reason, is reasonable.” The council was created last year under a state law pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis requiring state and local law enforcement officials to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts.
“For those who are adding to the American Dream, who came here illegally but are doing good, they are helping society,” Judd said during a press conference Tuesday. “We need to find a path for them.” The sheriff emphasized that Congress should establish a system for immigrants with no criminal history, suggesting requirements including learning English, working and participating in community activities as steps toward legal status.
The shift comes in Florida, where DeSantis spearheaded collaboration with federal officials to remove all undocumented immigrants and established the first state-run makeshift detention centers, including facilities dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” in south Florida. The State Immigration Enforcement Council continues to prioritize removing undocumented immigrants who violate the law, but members have softened their stance regarding those without criminal records.
Judd said he heard from conservative Republicans who “are active politically and active economically politically” expressing concerns about some immigrants “that now under this particular set of circumstances are being swept up and taken out of the country.” The sheriff described immigrants who are “working hard, they have kids in college, are in school, they’re going to church on Sunday, they’re not violating the law, and they’re living the American dream.”
“Set up a system you wave further due process,” Judd proposed. “Learning to speak English. You’re working, you’re socially interacting in community, then you can move up to the next level.” During Tuesday’s press conference, Judd clarified that he continues to support both DeSantis and President Donald Trump’s immigration efforts, specifically endorsing mass deportation for criminals and those with outstanding warrants.
The council drew a clear distinction between undocumented immigrants who pose threats and those who contribute positively to their communities. While immigration enforcement remains a priority for the eight-member council, the group acknowledged that not all undocumented immigrants should face the same treatment under current policies.
The State Immigration Enforcement Council will continue its quarterly meetings to address immigration enforcement strategies throughout Florida.