TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Senator Ashley Moody has unveiled a pair of legislative proposals aimed at enhancing immigration enforcement and countering what she describes as ineffective policies from the current administration.
Moody’s initiatives, known as the RIPPLE Act and the Stop GAPS Act, are designed to bolster state authorities’ roles in immigration while addressing significant concerns around the handling of unaccompanied migrant children. She contends that the Biden administration’s immigration strategies have endangered national security and placed vulnerable children at risk.
The RIPPLE Act seeks to expand the capabilities of the 287(g) program, which allows state and local law enforcement to collaborate with federal agencies in immigration enforcement. This legislation proposes that eligible law enforcement agencies can receive reimbursements for expenses incurred while participating in these programs, thereby enabling them to allocate existing officers to immigration responsibilities. Moody argues that these changes are necessary as the federal government undertakes a slower process of hiring and training new immigration enforcement personnel.
In conjunction with the RIPPLE Act, the Stop GAPS Act would reform the way the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) manages the custody of unaccompanied minors. The legislation aims to ensure that the ORR collaborates with states when placing these children, thus reducing the risk of harmful placements that have led to alarming outcomes. Data from a recent grand jury report suggests that the ORR has lost track of many children, exposing them to precarious situations.
“The Biden administration has severely compromised our immigration and national security systems, endangering both our country and the lives of unaccompanied children,” Moody stated. She emphasized her prior work as Florida’s Attorney General to combat the negative impacts of what she views as flawed policies.
Critics of the current administration have pointed out that the oversight and management of unaccompanied migrant children have been inadequate. Reports indicate that tens of thousands of these children were placed in unsafe environments, raising questions about the federal government’s inaction in overseeing their welfare. The grand jury findings highlight serious allegations of mishandling, stating that the ORR failed to protect these vulnerable populations.
Moody underscored the need for legislative changes, asserting that expanding the 287(g) program would provide essential resources to state law enforcement, enabling them to remove criminals from communities more effectively. “We are witnessing growing disorder in some areas, and this legislation will ensure accountability for those who violate the law,” she added.
In support of these bills, Congresswoman Laurel Lee, who is leading the House effort for the RIPPLE Act, expressed her belief in the necessity of empowering local law enforcement. She noted, “Our officers courageously face risks every day to uphold the rule of law, and this legislation guarantees they have the support needed to enforce our immigration policies.”
As the immigration debate continues, the implications of these proposed laws could have far-reaching effects on state and local policing procedures and the welfare of migrant children over the coming years.
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