TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis enacted a comprehensive set of immigration laws on Thursday aligned with President Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation strategy.

Supporters from the Republican Party assert that these laws position Florida—historically a sanctuary for immigrants—at the forefront of conservative-led states leveraging local and state resources to bolster federal immigration enforcement.

Amidst Trump’s backing from state lawmakers nationwide, legislators in Florida are preparing for potential legal challenges as they advance a controversial provision criticized as unconstitutional by advocates for immigrant rights.

The newly enacted laws establish the death penalty for undocumented immigrants convicted of serious crimes such as first-degree murder or child sexual assault. This measure marks a significant escalation beyond President Trump’s executive orders.

Internal Conflicts Among Lawmakers and DeSantis

DeSantis endorsed the legislation following negotiations that resolved a prolonged standoff among key Republican figures in the state regarding how best to enact Trump’s stringent illegal immigration policies.

“Today, Florida has passed the most robust illegal immigration laws in the nation,” DeSantis declared before signing the bills, presenting a sharpie to each legislative leader present. “We are taking proactive steps to tackle the illegal immigration crisis effectively.”

However, tensions remain palpable as DeSantis has openly challenged Trump for the Republican nomination, which may prevent any rifts from healing, especially as he is anticipated to seek the presidency in 2028.

“This is ultimately a triumph for Donald Trump, as it aligns with his overarching agenda,” remarked Republican Senator Joe Gruters, a bill sponsor and a prominent Trump supporter.

Despite this achievement, the process has been fraught, with DeSantis previously criticizing lawmakers’ earlier drafts as “weak” and a “disservice” to their conservative base.

“There are still unresolved tensions among the factions,” Gruters noted, “on all sides.”

Florida’s Legislation Allocates Nearly $300 Million for Immigration Enforcement

The new legislation sets aside $298 million to create over 50 new immigration-focused law enforcement positions, as well as funding for training and equipping local agencies, offering bonuses for officers aiding in federal operations, and covering costs for detention facility rentals.

It also stipulates the death penalty for undocumented immigrants committing capital offenses. Critics, including Democrats and civil rights advocates, argue this provision contravenes constitutional guidelines established by the Supreme Court.

The laws enhance penalties for crimes committed by individuals in the country illegally and introduce a new offense for entering the state without proper authorization.

In a compromise, lawmakers abandoned a previous initiative aimed at reducing the governor’s authority over immigration emergencies.

A controversial provision that received bipartisan backlash overturns a law permitting undocumented students to access in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities.

Restrictions Advance in Georgia and Alabama

Similarly, other southern states are enacting legislation aimed at reinforcing Trump’s immigration agenda.

The Alabama Senate quickly moved forward with proposals allowing jails to detain individuals for immigration status verification; requiring DNA collection from unauthorized immigrants in custody; disregarding driver’s licenses from states that don’t require proof of citizenship; and criminalizing the act of bringing an undocumented person into the state.

“These bills will not impact individuals entering Alabama legally,” stressed Republican Senator Wes Kitchens, a sponsor of one of the bills.

These initiatives now proceed to the Alabama House amidst Democratic claims of “political theatrics.”

Jasmin Hernandez-Alamillo, the daughter of Mexican immigrants and a recent University of Alabama at Birmingham graduate, expressed apprehension that these measures may foster racial profiling and prompted her to reconsider living in Alabama.

“I’m hesitant to remain in a state that continuously promotes negative sentiments towards marginalized groups,” she shared.

On the same day, the Georgia Senate passed a bill allowing local governments to face lawsuits for noncompliance with federal immigration enforcement.

This legislation reinforces a Georgia law established last year after the murder of 22-year-old University of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, allegedly committed by Venezuelan immigrant Jose Ibarra.

This law mandates police cooperation with federal authorities in the identification and detention of undocumented immigrants and includes penalties for non-compliance.

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Contributions to this report came from Matat in West Palm Beach, Florida; Chandler in Birmingham, Alabama; and Kramon in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Payne is part of The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that connects journalists with local newsrooms to highlight underreported issues.