Florida is sending a clear message to illegal immigrants with its first arrest under Governor Ron DeSantis’s new immigration law. A Mexican national who was previously deported now faces serious felony charges after sneaking back into the Sunshine State. Now that’s what border control looks like!
At a glance:
• Felipe Hernandez-Chavarin became the first person arrested under Florida’s new immigration law after trespassing at a farm in Brevard County
• He had previously been deported from the U.S. in 2019, making his re-entry a state felony under the new law
• Florida’s legislation, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, makes it a state-level crime to enter or re-enter the U.S. illegally
• The charge carries a mandatory minimum prison term of one year and one day
• Hernandez-Chavarin is currently held in Brevard County jail without bond
DeSantis Takes Action Where Biden Won’t
Florida authorities arrested Felipe Hernandez-Chavarin, a Mexican citizen who had previously been deported in 2019, after he was caught trespassing at Willowbrook Farms in Palm Bay. This marks the first arrest under Florida’s new immigration law that makes illegal re-entry a state crime.
A Florida Fish and Wildlife officer observed Hernandez-Chavarin entering through a locked gate with a “no trespassing” sign, where he was reportedly attempting to catch fish with a net in the farm’s canals. The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office confirmed his previous deportation history, triggering the new felony charge.
“Great job enforcing our recently enacted legislation to fight illegal immigration!” Governor DeSantis praised on social media after the arrest.
Florida’s Tough New Immigration Law
Under the law signed by Governor DeSantis, it’s now a state crime for “unauthorized aliens” to enter Florida. The legislation specifically enhances penalties for those who have been previously deported, classifying their re-entry as a third-degree felony.
Previously, immigration enforcement was solely the domain of federal agencies, which under the Biden administration have largely abandoned their duties. Florida’s new approach empowers state law enforcement to take action where federal authorities won’t, with convicted offenders facing a mandatory minimum prison sentence of one year and one day.
This is something every state should adopt!
Creating Accountability
Florida isn’t stopping with just legislation and enforcement, either. The State Board of Immigration Enforcement (SBIE) has launched a portal for law enforcement officers to report non-compliance with state immigration policies, ensuring the law is properly enforced throughout the state.
“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 enforcement official.
The case against Hernandez-Chavarin demonstrates Florida’s commitment to securing its borders and protecting its citizens. While Hernandez-Chavarin claimed he was merely fishing, he now remains in the Brevard County jail without bond as he faces the consequences of illegally re-entering the United States after deportation.
