1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I am writing as a deeply concerned Floridian regarding the recent illegal rendition of a Salvadoran man who was residing in the United States under legal asylum protections. Reports indicate that this individual was labeled—without transparent or verifiable evidence—as a gang member and forcibly deported to El Salvador’s CECOT mega-prison, bypassing the legal protections he was entitled to under both U.S. and international law. This alarming incident raises serious questions about the role Florida's policies may have played in facilitating such actions. Under your administration, Florida has enacted some of the most aggressive immigration enforcement measures in the nation. Notably: Senate Bill 4-C criminalizes undocumented immigrants over the age of 18 who "knowingly" enter Florida, imposing severe penalties, including mandatory jail time without bond. This law has been challenged and temporarily halted by a federal court due to concerns over its constitutionality . Senate Bill 2-C established the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, allocating over $298 million to coordinate with federal agencies and support local law enforcement in immigration enforcement activities . Several Florida cities, including Fort Myers and Doral, have entered into 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), effectively deputizing local police to enforce federal immigration laws. In Fort Myers, the city council reversed its initial decision against such an agreement after facing threats of suspension from your administration . These policies contribute to an environment where due process can be disregarded, and individuals with legal protections, like asylum seekers, are at risk of unjust treatment. The recent deportation of a University of Florida student, Felipe Zapata Velázquez, following a minor traffic violation, underscores the real and immediate dangers posed by these enforcement strategies . Such actions not only undermine the rule of law but also erode public trust in our institutions. When state policies prioritize aggressive enforcement over constitutional rights, we tread a dangerous path toward authoritarianism. I urge you to: 1. Review and reconsider the implementation of laws like SB 4-C and SB 2-C to ensure they align with constitutional protections and human rights standards. 2. Suspend or reevaluate 287(g) agreements that allow local law enforcement to act as federal immigration agents, particularly in communities with significant immigrant populations. 3. Establish oversight mechanisms to ensure that individuals with legal protections, such as asylum seekers and international students, are not subjected to unlawful detention or deportation. Florida has a rich history of welcoming diverse communities. Let us not allow fear and overreach to tarnish that legacy. Upholding justice and due process is not only a legal obligation but a moral imperative.