DeSantis Rejects Citizenship Proposal From Florida Sheriffs, Says Not Being an 'Axe Murderer' Isn't Enough'

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis rejected a proposal from several state sheriffs to support a path to citizenship for some undocumented immigrants, saying the idea conflicts with existing law and enforcement priorities.

"This idea that unless you're an axe murderer you should be able to stay, that is not consistent with our laws, and it's also not good policy," DeSantis said at an event in Bradenton.

The remarks, reported by The Miami Herald, follow a shift earlier this week by members of the State Immigration Enforcement Council, a body created under Florida law to advise on immigration policy. On Monday, most members backed sending a letter to federal officials urging consideration of a pathway to legal status for noncriminal undocumented immigrants who meet certain conditions.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, who chairs the council, said the proposal reflects the realities faced by local law enforcement. "There are those here that are working hard... they're not violating the law, and they're living the American dream," Judd said, suggesting a framework requiring fines, employment, and other conditions, calling the approach "common sense" and arguing that such individuals "are not a drag on society."

The position marks a shift for some council members, including Judd, who previously supported stricter enforcement measures. The change has exposed divisions among Republican officials in Florida, where the state has taken an active role in cooperating with federal immigration authorities.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier also pushed back on the proposal earlier this week, emphasizing enforcement of existing laws. "If people are here illegally, then they are breaking the law, and we are going to enforce it," he said at a separate news conference.

DeSantis pointed to Florida's current approach as a model, citing expanded cooperation with federal agencies and increased funding for enforcement. "We've got to keep the momentum going, we certainly don't want to backtrack on this," he said.

Supporters of the proposal argued that current enforcement can lead to the removal of individuals without criminal records, including long-term residents with families and jobs. Some council members also cited a lack of clear federal direction on immigration priorities, saying local officials are left to navigate the issue without guidance.