Letter to Florida Sheriffs in Orange, Osceola, and Polk Counties - Refuse to Expand Enforcement of Federal Immigration Laws

Letter

Re: Request To Decline Expanded Local Enforcement of Federal Immigration Laws

Dear Sheriff Demings, I am writing to urge you to use your discretion to refuse to expand the role of your Office in enforcing federal immigration laws.

On February 21, 2017, Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly executed a Memorandum expanding potential local law enforcement participation in the Trump Administration's planned "deportation force." But local enforcement of federal immigration law is not in the best interest of the constituents we both serve in Orange County, Florida.

My first concern is that this drastic change in immigration enforcement policy will cost thousands of local jobs. Orange County is a diverse and vibrant community that is home to a thriving immigrant population. Our immigrant families are hard-working and an integral part of our economy, particularly our tourism and agriculture industries. Aggressive local deportation measures will create a fearful environment which could scare away workers and tourists alike.

My second concern is that aggressive, local enforcement and increased deportations will divide our community and subject our citizens to unnecessary harassment. Our Hispanic and Caribbean brothers and sisters are particularly susceptible to immigration stops based solely on their appearance or their accents. These stops will stoke embarrassment and frustration.

My third concern is that local deportation efforts will erode community trust in law enforcement, making your job harder. It is critical that our local law enforcement officers maintain trust relationships to protect the public and ensure reporting of violent crimes. If local immigrant communities become fearful, then dangerous criminals may go unreported.

Ultimately, it is in the best interest of local residents that the Orange County Sheriff's Office continue its traditional focus of keeping violent criminals off the streets, protecting victims and building trust relationships in our community. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me or my team. Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. Sincerely,

Darren Soto, Member of Congress

This letter was sent to:

Jerry Demings - Orange County Sheriff
Russ Gibson - Osceola County Sheriff
Grady Judd - Polk County Sheriff

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