Democrats are attempting to protect sanctuary cities in Florida through amendments introduced by state legislator Jordan Carter (D-CO). Governor David Acton (R-TX) condemned this effort as an attack on law and order through immigration enforcement.

“It’s common sense that we should not have cities banning their police officers from cooperating with federal law enforcement. No reasonable person disagrees with that. The only reason to institute this measure is to make immigration enforcement that much more difficult and disruptive for the community. When ICE can’t make an arrest on someone already detained/arrested, they then have to go find that person themselves. That creates opportunities for danger to the community and it allows agitators to interfere with the process. This isn’t safe for officers or community members anywhere,” Governor Acton said in a statement.

Jordan Carter attempted to deflect, saying that his bill does not ban cooperation with immigration enforcement. While this is true, it doesn’t actually address the issue. “It still explicitly protects city and county governments that ban their officers from enforcing the law. That’s wrong. It’s not a matter of local control; it’s a matter of accountability, enforcement, and community safety.”