Florida Sheriffs Call for 'Path to Citizenship' for Illegal Migrants with Jobs

A group of Republican-appointed Florida county sheriffs are urging President Trump to ease immigration policies and provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who are employed and law-abiding.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:49pm

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A group of Florida county sheriffs on a state advisory council are calling on President Trump to create a 'path to citizenship' for illegal migrants who are holding down jobs and not engaging in criminal activity. The sheriffs, who were appointed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, say these migrants 'are living the American dream and are being very productive.' However, the proposal has faced pushback from Florida's Attorney General and at least one other sheriff on the council.

Why it matters

This proposal from Republican-appointed Florida sheriffs highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policy, even within the GOP. While the Trump administration has taken a hardline stance on illegal immigration, these sheriffs argue for a more lenient approach that provides a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who are employed and law-abiding. This reflects the complex and sometimes conflicting views on immigration within the Republican party.

The details

The sheriffs, led by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, the chair of the State Immigration Enforcement Council, are collaborating on a letter to President Trump calling for a more liberal focus on immigration policy. They say migrants who are 'working hard' and 'living the American dream' should be given a chance at citizenship, as long as they pay a fine, learn English, and don't rely on taxpayer dollars. However, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said he 'does not support the letter,' arguing that those in the country illegally have 'broken the law.' At least one other sheriff on the council, Jacksonville Sheriff TK Waters, also does not support Judd's proposal.

  • The sheriffs' letter to President Trump was reported on March 18, 2026.

The players

Grady Judd

Polk County Sheriff and chair of the State Immigration Enforcement Council, who is leading the call for a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants with jobs.

James Uthmeier

Florida Attorney General who said he 'does not support the letter' calling for a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants.

TK Waters

Jacksonville Sheriff who serves on the State Immigration Enforcement Council but does not support Judd's proposal.

Ron DeSantis

Republican Governor of Florida who appointed the sheriffs to the State Immigration Enforcement Council.

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What they’re saying

“To make sure that the top priority is to remove these folks that are violating the law, these people who've been through the immigration system, these people who have avoided the immigration system and snuck into the United States, but there are those here that are working hard. They have their kids in college or in school. They're going to church on Sunday. They're not violating the law, and … they are living the American dream and are being very productive and … doing good in this country.”

— Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff

“They need to get off their butts and they need to fix it.”

— Bill Prummel, Charlotte County Sheriff

“As Sheriff, I want to reaffirm that our agency has and always will work hand-in-hand with our state and federal partners to uphold the laws and priorities established by our elected leaders. I was not on the call referenced and do not share or endorse the comments made by others.”

— TK Waters, Jacksonville Sheriff

“Any illusion that we're not supporting the president or the government is absolutely false. We're providing input. We're providing feedback.”

— Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff

What’s next

The State Immigration Enforcement Council plans to send their letter to President Trump, though it is unclear if the proposal will gain any traction with the administration.

The takeaway

This proposal from Republican-appointed Florida sheriffs highlights the complex and sometimes conflicting views on immigration policy within the GOP. While the Trump administration has taken a hardline stance, these sheriffs argue for a more lenient approach that provides a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who are employed and law-abiding, reflecting the ongoing debate over immigration reform.