While the courts argue the legality of the current administration’s brazen immigration orders, the situation grows more anxious for immigrants in Florida. According to the Associated Press, federal, state, and local authorities in Florida performed a sweep and arrested 1,120 people accused of being in the United States illegally, with immigrant rights groups concerned that those arrested include individuals without criminal records. In times like these, many immigrants in Florida turn to an immigration lawyer in Miami for guidance on their rights and legal options. An immigration attorney can be crucial in navigating this complex legal landscape, providing proper advice on how to proceed in such circumstances.
The Miami Herald recently reported on the launch of a “first-of-its-kind sting,” Operation Tidal Wave, a multi-county collaboration between the Trump administration and “public safety agencies” in Florida, supported by 287(g) agreements signed by hundreds of Florida law enforcement agencies. Other agencies with pending applications to partner with ICE include campus police departments, local police departments, and state agencies and subdivisions, including the Florida Department of Lottery’s security division.
This comes as Forbes reports that Republicans remained silent during a recent immigration markup, voting against amendments requiring immigrants to receive due process as well as prohibiting ICE from deporting U.S. citizens. These actions are obviously destabilizing in Florida, a state where roughly one fifth of the population is foreign-born. With the administration using language including “criminals,” “gang members,” and “terrorist organizations” to justify the deportation of a wide array of individuals, and with the recent votes during the immigration markup, there is more than enough reason to be concerned.
Of the cities in South Florida, only South Miami has gone to court to argue that formal cooperation with ICE in the form of 287(g) agreements is not required under new state laws. This highlights the importance of having the support of immigration lawyers in Miami, who can provide effective legal representation before local and federal authorities. Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, argued during the markup that, “The Trump Administration has abandoned the rule of law.” A DHS spokesperson has said to “expect more immigration enforcement in the next 100 days,” according to NPR.
With such a complex and shifting situation, it is crucial to have an immigration lawyer in Miami who is up-to-date on the latest changes in immigration laws and who can offer legal assistance in cases of deportation, appeals, or status adjustment. These legal experts play a vital role in protecting immigrants’ rights and defending their interests in a legal system that can seem overwhelming and unfavorable.
Be very careful!
Beware of notaries, immigration consultants or anyone who is not qualified and prepared in these matters. Always seek the advice and services of an immigration attorney for your immigration processes and procedures.