If there were a nationwide contest to see which state can anger the progressive left the most, Florida would likely be leading that competition. Recently, the state’s Senate passed a bill allowing teachers to arm themselves. And now, two separate pieces of legislation are in the works that will surely earn the ire of nationwide Democrats.

In many cities across the country, open borders advocates have managed to pass laws designed to shield illegal immigrants from deportation by hampering the efforts of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These “sanctuary cities” are becoming more prevalent, and, in fact, California recently became the nation’s first “sanctuary state.” But this initiative is not running unopposed; Florida’s House and Senate, which both currently have a Republican majority, have recently approved legislation that would effectively ban the existence of sanctuary cities across the state.

Florida Bans Sanctuary Cities

The Florida House passed a bill prohibiting cities from taking on “sanctuary” status, which means local government cannot prevent law enforcement agencies from cooperating with ICE. The proposal passed 69-47, and mandates that local law enforcement work with federal authorities to identify and arrest criminals who have committed additional offenses while residing in the country illegally.

Currently, sanctuary cities do not exist in Florida, but the proposed legislation is designed as a preemptive measure to prevent the rise of such locations. The bill, if made into law, would punish cities that adopt sanctuary policies by levying a fine of $5,000 every day that the measure remains in place.

A Senate version of the bill has passed, 22-18, with only one Republican voting against it. Governor Ron DeSantis has already indicated that he supports the bill and will likely sign it into law if it reaches that stage.

Needless to say, the left is none too happy about this situation. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) published a stern criticism of the measure and urged Americans not to travel to Florida if the bill passes. One can be sure that the state’s tourism industry is shaking in its collective boots. Micah Kubic, the Executive Director of the ACLU’s Florida division, told The Huffington Post, “It will result in unlawfully detaining US Citizens and people of color and tear families apart in Florida.”

A Step in The Right Direction?

Florida is not the only state opposing the left’s attempts to protect illegal immigrants who commit additional crimes after entering the country. Texas recently banned sanctuary cities, and the Arkansas Senate has introduced legislation that would impose a similar measure.

Despite what the left believes, polls suggest a majority of the American public is not on board with the open borders initiative the Democrats are pursuing. The notion that it could be more important to protect illegal immigrants who commit violent crimes than to keep Americans safe is anathema to people who understand the importance of border security.

In the more progressive areas of the country, people might be accepting of the “sanctuary” approach, but how long will that last when they start experiencing the negative impact that is sure to follow? As was revealed when President Trump suggested busing illegal border crossers directly to sanctuary cities, progressives in those locations aren’t particularly keen to have their own declared policies actually enforced. The hasty objections by figures like Nancy Pelosi and Cher were telling, and it will only be a matter of time before they realize what type of damage open border policies cause. Hopefully, it won’t be too late.

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