He Said It and They Listened – Florida Sheriff’s Message Hits Hard!

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has made headlines with a strong message aimed at illegal immigrants in Florida, urging them to consider self-deportation ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration. Sheriff Judd’s bold remarks came during a press conference in Winter Haven, where he was joined by Governor Ron DeSantis and other state and local officials to discuss strategies for tackling illegal immigration.

“And I leave with this message: ‘Southbound and down.’ Do it yourself. You can self-deport and avoid a lot of prison sentence, but it’s time. Southbound and down,” Judd declared, addressing those living in the state unlawfully. His comments emphasized the potential consequences for those who choose to remain and break the law, suggesting that self-deportation could spare individuals from severe legal penalties.

Sheriff Judd’s statements align with broader efforts by Florida’s leaders to combat illegal immigration, a topic that has remained at the forefront of political discourse in the state. According to Judd, illegal immigration contributes to increased crime, and addressing this issue is essential for public safety. He cited specific cases involving illegal immigrants, including instances of murder, DUI manslaughter, and organized theft rings, to highlight the urgency of the matter.

“Florida needs to set the example for the other states and support the president [Trump] to get rid of these criminals who are victimizing our people,” Judd said, underscoring the importance of state-level action in the fight against illegal immigration.

Governor Ron DeSantis echoed Sheriff Judd’s sentiments, expressing confidence that a second Trump administration would prioritize resolving the nation’s illegal immigration crisis. “We in Florida have a sense of urgency to accomplish this mission,” DeSantis stated. “The mission is very simple: We need to end the illegal immigration crisis once and for all in these United States of America.”

Florida has been proactive in its opposition to federal immigration policies under the outgoing Biden administration. The state has filed multiple lawsuits, challenging the administration’s catch-and-release policies and accusing it of neglecting to assist in removing noncitizens from voter rolls ahead of the 2024 election. These legal battles reflect Florida’s determination to address what state leaders view as failures in federal immigration enforcement.

In addition to legal actions, Governor DeSantis has announced a special legislative session set to convene shortly after Trump’s January 20 inauguration. The session will focus on securing funding for initiatives aimed at curbing illegal immigration, including increased detention capabilities and relocation programs. “We don’t have any lingering incentives for people to come into our state illegally,” DeSantis explained, emphasizing the need for strong measures to deter unauthorized entry.

The press conference highlighted the collaborative effort between Florida’s state and local officials to address immigration challenges head-on. Sheriff Judd’s unfiltered message, coupled with Governor DeSantis’ policy proposals, signals a clear intent to align Florida’s immigration stance with the incoming Trump administration’s priorities.

As the nation’s attention shifts to Trump’s inauguration and the anticipated policy changes that may follow, Florida’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to cracking down on illegal immigration. Sheriff Judd’s call for self-deportation serves as a stark reminder of the legal and societal consequences awaiting those who remain in the country unlawfully. Meanwhile, the state’s leadership aims to set an example for others, showcasing the role that state-level action can play in addressing this complex issue.