Red-state Republicans say ‘can’t’ but mean ‘won’t’ on immigration reform



Republicans must decide whether they truly want to end illegal immigration or not. Now is the time to eliminate every incentive that allows illegal immigrants to remain undetected in our communities. If Republicans believe that approach is too harsh, they should have the courage to say so. Instead, across the country, they are gutting enforcement bills that would effectively stop illegal immigration and deter migrants from entering red states under Democratic administrations.

While offering convoluted arguments against commonsense measures, they refuse to admit the obvious: They want illegal immigrants who aren’t in jail to remain here as a source of cheap labor for their donors.

For many, the pledge to end illegal immigration was nothing more than a campaign slogan. Now, they dismiss enforcement measures as 'unrealistic' or too 'disruptive.'

Ending illegal immigration does not require complex logistics. If you fail to pay a speeding ticket, the state will catch up with you. Now, imagine your very presence in the country is illegal. With proper enforcement, no one could interact with law enforcement, government agencies, or civil society without being discovered and turned over to ICE.

The problem isn’t a lack of resources — it’s a lack of will. If red states fully enforced immigration laws, they could permanently end illegal immigration within their borders.

In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis introduced several bills aimed at, in his words, “ending illegal immigration as we know it.” One proposal sought to criminalize illegal entry into the state, authorize judges to offer jail time as an incentive for self-repatriation, and require all state and local law enforcement agencies to participate in the 287(g) program. That program would allow officers to work directly with ICE, not only to remove criminal aliens in jail but to act as ICE deputies and deport all illegal immigrants they encounter.

Had this proposal passed, it would have made it nearly impossible for most illegal immigrants to live functional lives in Florida. That is precisely why the state’s Republican establishment opposed it.

The special session DeSantis called was filled with political maneuvering, largely aimed at weakening his influence. However, the real motive became clear when state Sen. Joe Gruters, the author of a competing Republican-backed bill, complained in an email to a constituent about DeSantis’ push for “street-level enforcement.” That was exactly DeSantis’ goal and exactly why the establishment opposed it.

Many Republicans are quietly working to limit immigration enforcement — without admitting it — by restricting efforts to only criminal aliens. They want the rest to remain as a cheap labor force for their donors. The counterproposal from legislative leaders not only gutted DeSantis’ street-level enforcement provision but also stripped his existing authority to work with ICE, handing that power to the agriculture commissioner, who had previously opposed E-Verify and supported benefits for illegal immigrants.

Despite their public rhetoric, many Republicans have not abandoned their insatiable appetite for cheap labor. Florida’s political dynamic is unique in that establishment Republicans were also frustrated with DeSantis for defeating the marijuana industry’s ballot initiative. However, this resistance to full-scale state immigration enforcement is appearing across the country. Even in deep-red states, strong enforcement bills are being gutted in committee or never making it to the floor.

Last week, establishment Republicans in Montana and Wyoming weakened key enforcement bills that would have implemented street-level immigration enforcement.

Montana’s HB 278 initially required all law enforcement officers to make a reasonable attempt — when practicable — to determine the immigration status of anyone lawfully stopped or detained, such as for a traffic violation. If lawmakers were serious about deterring illegal immigration and making it impossible for undocumented individuals to remain in the country, verifying immigration status during encounters with state officials would be a logical step.

The bill even included an exception allowing officers to forgo the status check if it would interfere with an ongoing investigation. Despite this, the House Judiciary Committee weakened the bill by changing “shall” to “may,” effectively making the provision optional and stripping it of its enforcement power.

Similarly, Wyoming state Sen. Cheri Steinmetz introduced a comprehensive immigration enforcement bill, SF 124. The proposal required local law enforcement officers to check immigration status during street-level policing. It also mandated that all state agencies verify legal status before granting any state benefits, prohibited individuals from transporting, harboring, or shielding illegal immigrants from law enforcement, and required employers to report illegal workers.

However, a Republican-controlled committee completely gutted the bill, removing its key enforcement mechanisms.

If lawmakers truly want to end illegal immigration and push undocumented individuals to leave the country, they must pass strong enforcement bills at the state level.

Trump has already voiced frustration over the slow pace of removals, which is why states need policies that make it impossible for illegal immigrants to remain and function in the United States. Either Republicans want to solve the problem, or they don’t.

For many, the pledge to end illegal immigration was nothing more than a campaign slogan. Now, they dismiss enforcement measures as “impractical,” “unrealistic,” or too “disruptive.”

In life, there are always “can’ts” and “won’ts.” When it comes to ending illegal immigration, watch for Republicans to claim they can’t enforce strict policies — when in reality, they simply won’t.

DeSantis, Florida Legislature Strike Agreement To Expedite Trump’s Deportation Operations

Florida's legislative leadership came to a compromise with DeSantis to advance legislation assisting Trump's deportation operations.

Florida thug on parole allegedly pummels elderly man in random attack — and then targets victim's small dog



A Florida male on parole allegedly pummeled an elderly man in a random attack Sunday evening — and then hurled the 72-year-old victim's small dog by the leash into a bush.

The attack took place just before 7:50 p.m. near the oceanfront of Pompano Beach, and the Broward Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Anthony Tramaine Harris, 35, of Fort Lauderdale, WPLG-TV reported.

'If you’re not carrying a firearm and know how to use it, then I hope you’re still alive when BSO gets there. Good luck.'

Deputies said Harris — who was on parole for an out-of-state burglary — approached the man, who was walking his dog, and asked him, “What’s your name?” the station said.

When the victim refused to divulge it, deputies told WPLG that “Harris grabbed him, threw him to the ground, and then proceeded to punch him in the back of the head three times,” which left the victim with multiple scrapes.

The station, citing an arrest report, indicated that surveillance video shows Harris grabbing the small dog by the leash and throwing it into a bush, “which could have injured the dog.”

Deputies added to WPLG that jail records indicate that Harris was given an $11,000 bond on charges of battery on a person 65 or older, animal cruelty, and resisting arrest. The station added that Harris will remain behind bars for violating the conditions of his parole.

How are people reacting?

A number of commenters under WPLG's story about the incident made their viewpoints known:

  • "If you’re not carrying a firearm and know how to use it, then I hope you’re still alive when BSO gets there," one commenter wrote. "Good luck."
  • "Why do I 'carry' and go to the range regularly?" another user asked. "See the story above!!!"
  • "Good work. Now he can have his parole withdrawn and sent out to state to serve a long sentence," another commenter suggested before adding, "Hey crim, try that on moi, might end a little different."

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Trump shocks supporters by fitting in a round of golf with Tiger Woods before the Super Bowl: 'He never rests'



President Donald Trump managed to fit in a round of golf with legend Tiger Woods on a busy Super Bowl Sunday, it has been revealed.

During a day when Trump was set to record an interview with Fox News host Bret Baier before attending the Super Bowl in New Orleans, Trump was spotted with Woods, and his son, Charlie, at Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach, Florida.

A short video from the course was reportedly taken by NewsMax anchor Rob Schmitt, who spotted the three on the driving range before playing a round together. Woods and Trump appeared to be discussing the mechanics of a golf swing as teenager Charlie was practicing in the background.

Another post, using an old photo of the two, showcased the reaction many supporters had when hearing about the president's day.

"What a day to be Donald Trump. He's playing golf with Tiger Woods in the morning, taping a nationally broadcasted interview in the afternoon, and then spending his evening at the Super Bowl. An exhausting day for us mortals, but for him, it's relaxation," the X post read.

Other supporters were just as impressed by the 78-year-old's energy, with a New York fan saying:

"Incredible Energy. I have always been astounded at his constitution."

Incredible Energy. I have always been astounded at his constitution.
— Captain Max NYC (@Maximillia86562) February 10, 2025

A viewer added, "He never rests."

"Seeing energy in our leadership is inspiring!" another X user wrote.

This was juxtaposed by some readers who talked about President Joe Biden, with some even replying with a photo of Biden sleeping on the beach.

Isn’t that the truth?!

Seeing energy in our leadership is inspiring!
— Project Coherence (@Aimee_inspired) February 9, 2025

UFC president Dana White also spoke on Trump's energy level on a recent podcast with Tucker Carlson. White said that he flew to Mar-a-Lago on election night to watch the results with Trump and said he thought the president hadn't slept in about 72 hours.

"I jump on a plane; I flew to Las Vegas and picked up my wife and then I flew to Hawaii, and the guy's calling me the next [morning]. I mean the guy doesn't sleep, he just keeps going and going and going," White remarked.

'We are in the presence of a true legend.'

Trump and Woods have had a long-lasting relationship given the extent to which the golf legend has played at the president's golf clubs.

In 2019, Trump awarded Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom, referring to him as a global symbol of American excellence.

Trump called Woods a "great person" and an overall great guy.

"This evening, we are in the presence of a true legend, an extraordinary athlete who has transformed golf and achieved new levels of dominance," Trump said.

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Illegal Alien Allegedly Stole U.S. Citizen’s Identity, Committed Voter Fraud

An illegal alien faced voter fraud charges on Monday in federal court, after he allegedly lived in America for years under a citizen’s stolen identity. Carlos Jose Abreu, a 45-year-old national from the Dominican Republic, faces charges of “impersonating a United States citizen when registering to vote and when voting in a federal election,” according […]

Nobody Is Buying The Garbage Immigration Bill Florida Republicans Are Selling

Contrary to what they're hearing in their Tallahassee echo chamber, the Florida GOP establishment's immigration bill isn't fooling anyone.

Ron DeSantis RIPS Florida RINOS for misleading TRUMP Act that works against mass deportations



Not that long ago, Gov. Ron DeSantis considered Donald Trump a foe when he ran against him in the presidential primaries. Today, however, he’s doing everything he can to ensure Trump’s agenda is advanced in Florida. That includes fighting a group of “unbelievable RINOs” in the Florida legislature who are resisting his intentions to support Trump’s mass deportation plan.

This group has even created something called the TRUMP Act, which does the opposite of what its name suggests.

Yesterday, Gov. DeSantis joined Glenn Beck on “The Glenn Beck Program” to explain what exactly is in this misleading bill.

He first divided the states into three categories: The “sanctuary jurisdictions” that will attempt to “sabotage Trump’s agenda,” the neutral states that won’t help or hinder, and the states that will offer full support.

It’s the latter he hopes Florida will be.

“After the election, I said this is our chance; this is the number one issue the president ran on, and we need to get it right,” Gov. DeSantis told Glenn.

Unfortunately, RINOs in the Florida legislature are working to thwart Gov. DeSantis’ intentions to support ICE in carrying out deportations. Their resistance has come in the form of something called the TRUMP Act.

“They're playing this game where they think if they put Trump's name on a weak bill that somehow people will think it's going to be good, and it's totally inadequate,” he said.

These RINOs are aiming to preserve “cheap illegal alien labor” that is sought after in certain industries and remove “immigration enforcement authority from the governor” and place it in the hands of the “Commissioner of Agriculture.”

“That's like the fox guarding the hen house,” DeSantis analogized.

Further, under this proposal, “illegals can register [to vote] in Florida” without having to sign an affidavit alleging that they’re U.S. citizens, which violates Florida’s constitution.

“We have in our proposals a rebuttable presumption that illegals that get brought up on criminal charges are detained and then turned over to ICE,” but this group of resistors “watered that down so that judges are just going to release these guys back on the street,” he explained.

These Republicans, DeSantis reminded, “all ran on bashing Biden's border policies,” and argued that Florida needed “to get tough supporting Donald Trump's agenda in 2024.”

Now they’re “bragging” about purchasing “beds for illegals,” he said. “I don’t want to house the illegals, I want to deport the illegals.”

The constituents of these Congress members are unhappy as well.

“I've never seen our base react more negatively on an issue than what the legislature is trying to pull right now. It is like 99 to 1 in terms of opposition,” said DeSantis.

If the voters’ displeasure wasn’t evidence enough that the TRUMP Act is garbage, “Democrats in the Florida Senate were high-fiving them; liberal media in Florida have been singing their praises; the ACLU of Florida tweeted thank you for what you're doing.”

To hear more about the TRUMP Act and how Gov. DeSantis plans to fight it, watch the clip above.

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Florida Democratic Party official possessed child porn, tried to set up date to sexually assault 9-year-old boy: Feds



A Florida Democratic Party official possessed child pornography, sent the illicit content to an undercover cop, and attempted to set up a date to sexually assault a 9-year-old boy, according to federal prosecutors.

Matthew Inman, of Orlando, was arrested by U.S. Marshalls and charged with transportation of child sex abuse material. If convicted, Inman faces a minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison.

'We offer our condolences to any victims of child sexual abuse and hope justice will be served to the fullest extent of the law.'

He is currently being held in the Seminole County jail with no bond.

According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, "Inman received and saved several videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to his phone. These videos depicted adults sexually assaulting young children."

In October 2024, Inman traveled to Las Vegas and began talking online with the alleged father of a 9-year-old boy. However, authorities said the supposed father was actually an undercover cop cracking down on pedophiles.

The feds say Inman shared child porn with the undercover cop.

According to an affidavit, Inman used an app called Sniffies — a self-described "modern, map-based meetup app for gay, bi, and curious cruisers."

Inman's alleged Sniffies account name, @Daddy4b, reportedly sent an undercover police agent child porn depicting adult men raping prepubescent children.

The @Daddy4b account reportedly told the undercover cop of the age of his sexual partners, "Mostly have f***ed teens since that is what you can more easily find."

The @Daddy4b account's profile section said the user is "looking for" a "twink, trans, son."

Federal prosecutors also accused Inman of expressing interest in meeting and sexually assaulting the 9-year-old boy.

The FBI obtained a search warrant for Inman’s electronic devices and home. During the execution of the search warrant, Inman reportedly hid in the attic of his house and attempted to delete the damning evidence from his phone.

The case is being prosecuted by assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan.

Inman served as Orange County’s Democratic Party treasurer and the president of Rainbow Democrats — a nonprofit with a mission to “foster goodwill between lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and allied members of the Democratic Party and the community at large."

The Orange County Democratic Party said in a statement that members were “appalled” by the allegations and have suspended him.

“We are deeply appalled and horrified by the news that Matthew Inman has been arrested on charges of sexual abuse involving a minor,” the Democratic group said. “We unequivocally condemn child sexual abuse in the strongest possible terms and hope that any victims involved receive the support and resources they need moving forward.”

The Rainbow Democrats said they were “shocked” to hear the accusations against their former president.

“We offer our condolences to any victims of child sexual abuse and hope justice will be served to the fullest extent of the law,” the group said in a statement.

"He has no acting role in any capacity with the organization as of now," the group added.

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From Florida To Texas, ‘Red State’ Republicans Are Subverting America First Priorities Across The Country

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is having to fight members of his own party to push through legislation assisting Trump's deportation operations.