Republican lawmakers in Florida are crusaders for religious freedom — until it interferes with riling up the MAGA base. Why else would they criminalize pastoral outreach as a means to attack President Joe Biden on immigration policy?
Legislation proposed by Republican state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia of Spring Hill would toughen work requirements and penalties aimed at making Florida a less desirable place for undocumented immigrants. SB 1718 also broadens the authority for state and local law enforcement to assist federal agencies in enforcing U.S. immigration law in matters “within or affecting this state.” That opens an entirely new avenue for a governor expected to enter the 2024 Republican presidential race to capitalize on partisan attacks against a Democratic White House.
But the real novelty of the legislation is how it ensnares churches, nonprofits and private individuals in the state’s immigration crackdown. The bill expands the definition of “human smuggling” by making it a third-degree felony to harbor, shield or even transport anyone that a person knows “or reasonably should know” has entered the U.S. illegally.
