With Republicans in Tallahassee looking to ensure Florida will not have sanctuary cities, the only Democrat holding statewide office in the Sunshine State stressed her opposition to the idea.
State Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried released an email to supporters on Thursday and showcased her support for illegal immigrants.
“A new anti-immigrant bill is making its way through the Florida Legislature and aims to outlaw sanctuary cities in this state. While there are no sanctuary cities in Florida, SB 168 sends a harmful message to immigrants,” Fried wrote before taking aim at President Donald Trump.
“Immigrants are not a threat to this country’s safety or economy. That divisive rhetoric is spin pushed by the president,” Fried insisted. “SB 168 goes against every fundamental American value. It would create lasting damage to businesses and industries in this state and make law enforcement more difficult and demanding.
“Immigrants are an integral and necessary part of Florida’s past, present, and future. Twenty percent of Floridians are immigrants who pay $17 billion in federal and $6 billion in state taxes annually. Did you know that 54 percent of Florida’s immigrants work in farming, fishing, or forestry, making up nearly half of the workforce in those industries?” Fried continued. “I cannot sit by silently as injustice is being legalized. It is my job, as commissioner of agriculture and an elected official, to defend the rights of those who keep our agriculture and economy thriving and everyone else who calls Florida home.”
Jim
April 26, 2019, 7:59 am at 7:59 am
People wishing to sign up to become citizens are not the problem it’s the illegals you putz. If you can’t do your job quit and go live in mexico. Our Country, Our rules, if you don’t like them LEAVE NOW
Carol Paulk
April 26, 2019, 6:31 pm at 6:31 pm
You do not speak for us. Leave
Florida alone. We do not want to be a Sanctuary state .
Rex
April 26, 2019, 11:41 pm at 11:41 pm
Immigrants are not a threat to this country but illegal immigrants are! Why do these political asshats always combine legal immigrants with illegal immigrants.
Barbara Martino
April 30, 2019, 7:10 am at 7:10 am
You need to go live near a sanctuary city and leave our state alone!!!! Stop trying to RUIN our state!! I am ALL for LEGAL IMMIGRANTS. Keep ILLEGALS OUT!!! Liberals have become communists and are trying to destroy our country.