WASHINGTON -- A Latino civil rights organization is targeting the state of Florida over a new law designed to discourage illegal immigration.
The League of United Latin American Citizens is issuing a travel advisory, warning that Hispanics driving into Florida could be targeted if they drive into the state. Among other things, the law makes it a crime to knowingly transport someone who's in the country illegally. "There is a clear and present danger" to Latinos in the Sunshine state, says LULAC president Domingo Garcia. "Florida is a hostile environment for law-abiding Americans and immigrants." The law also requires hospitals to collect data on illegal immigrants' use of health care. Garcia says people could end up being arrested for taking someone in the country illegally to a hospital, or to a theme park.
He also asserts that the law will encourage racial profiling and "driving while brown" traffic stops. It's the first time LULAC has issued a travel advisory since SB 1070 passed in Arizona more than a decade ago. The bill was labeled "show me your papers" by its critics.
Garcia says LULAC plans to sue Florida in federal court when the law takes effect in July. LULAC also plans to "mobilize" Florida voters in 2024.
Governor Ron DeSantis has stated that the new law is a response to the policies of the Biden administration. When he signed the bill last week, Governor DeSantis declared that “The Biden border crisis has wreaked havoc across the United States and has put Americans in danger... in Florida, we will not stand idly by while the federal government abandons its lawful duties to protect our country."
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