Florida Sheriffs Association Endorses DeSantis Amid GOP Rift Over Immigration Crackdown
(Getty Images)
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has secured a critical endorsement from the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) as he faces resistance—including from fellow Republicans—over his proposed illegal immigration crackdown.
On Tuesday, the FSA publicly backed DeSantis and former President Donald Trump, both of whom have made illegal immigration a top legislative priority. The law enforcement organization emphasized its commitment to assisting the governor and federal immigration authorities in removing undocumented individuals who commit crimes in Florida.
“Removing illegal immigrants who commit crimes in our Florida communities is an issue that affects all of us, and we are grateful that the Governor and the Legislature were willing to address it immediately,” said Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell, the association’s president. “The Sheriffs of Florida strongly agree on the importance of assisting President Trump and ICE in accomplishing this vision quickly.”
Prummell underscored the longstanding relationship between the FSA and Florida lawmakers, stating that the legislature has “worked closely” with the organization for decades. He praised state leaders for ensuring that law enforcement has “the tools we need to effectively and efficiently remove criminal aliens from our communities across the State of Florida, thus protecting Floridians and visitors of our great State.”
The FSA’s endorsement arrives at a tense moment in Florida’s immigration debate, as DeSantis finds himself at odds with GOP leaders in the state legislature. On Monday, the governor criticized lawmakers for threatening to strip him of certain immigration enforcement powers, calling the move “bizarre.”
This follows a warning from DeSantis last week, in which he cautioned legislators that rejecting his immigration policy demands would be “very, very hazardous politically.” His comments signaled an intensifying standoff within Florida’s Republican Party, highlighting the growing divide over immigration policy and enforcement strategies.
The FSA’s backing could prove significant in bolstering DeSantis’ position. NBC News national politics reporter Matt Dixon noted on X (formerly Twitter) that the group’s endorsement is a “pretty big deal.” He described the sheriffs’ association as a “powerful group that aligns with Republicans, and has done a lot with DeSantis over the years.”
As Florida lawmakers debate the fate of DeSantis’ immigration package, the governor’s ability to maintain strong support from law enforcement groups like the FSA could shape the trajectory of the legislative battle. The outcome may also have broader implications for his political standing within the Republican Party, particularly as he continues to align himself with Trump on key policy issues.
With immigration remaining a contentious topic in Florida and beyond, the coming weeks will reveal whether DeSantis can push his agenda through a legislature that appears increasingly divided on the issue.
