Watch CBS News

Bill To Ban Sanctuary Cities Ready For The Florida House

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — An important issue that has become a political sticking point is heading for lawmakers.

A bill to ban so-called sanctuary policies in Florida is going to the House floor.

The House Judiciary Committee voted 12-6 Tuesday in favor of the bill that would require that local law enforcement agencies cooperate with federal authorities that enforce immigration law.

Immigrants and their advocates oppose the bill, saying it will be abused by law enforcement. The American Civil Liberties Union used Twitter last week to warn immigrants and people of color to be cautious while traveling in Florida.

But Republican Rep. Cord Byrd said no one has to worry about his bill unless they've been arrested. He called the ACLU warning "irresponsible."

The bill would require law enforcement to hold an arrested individual for 48 hours if that person is subject of a federal immigration detainer.

A similar Senate bill has its final committee stop Wednesday.

(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.