DeSantis Proposes Using Florida Highway Patrol as Immigration Judges

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a plan to utilize Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) officers as immigration judges, a move that has sparked considerable debate. DeSantis stated, "These officers can conduct immigration operations, detain undocumented individuals, and process them for removal." This proposal builds upon a previous task force model and leverages Florida's established emergency response capabilities. Critics argue this action circumvents established legal processes, while supporters point to the state's effective emergency response system. The plan's implementation and potential legal challenges remain to be seen, highlighting a significant development in the ongoing immigration debate.