Michael Joe Murphy

Conversation Starter

Few issues roil Florida politics like what to do about “sanctuary” cities: In the absence of a state policy, some cities shield unauthorized immigrants from stepped-up federal deportation efforts by not asking about their immigration status. According to the Pew Charitable Trusts, the state has 850,000 such immigrants.

The issue flared early this year when President Trump signed an executive order a few days after his inauguration to slash funding to cities that shield unauthorized immigrants from federal efforts to deport them. The order requires local governments to share information with U.S. immigration authorities

In April, the Florida House of Representatives voted to outlaw sanctuary cities and to impose penalties on any elected officials or communities that seek to thwart that ban. The bill, however, was not taken up in the state Senate.

Should Florida crack down in 2018 on cities that protect immigrants from federal officers?

For sharply differing perspectives about what Florida should do about sanctuary cities, we turn today’s point-counterpoint over to:

Juan Escalante, an immigration advocate and online strategist who has been fighting for the Dream Act and pro-immigration policies at all levels of government for the past 10 years.

Larry Metz, a Republican Florida representative from Yalaha, who has introduced House Bill 9 to ensure Florida does its part to support federal efforts to manage immigration.