The Biden administration’s brazen disregard for federal law is jeopardizing the safety and security of our state and nation, all while costing Florida taxpayers. More than $100 million per year is spent incarcerating individuals in the country illegally who are convicted of crimes in Florida.
Because President Biden is not requiring those illegally crossing the border to go through the mandated channels, thousands are coming into our country without being properly processed—and in some cases bringing dangerous and lethal drugs, such as fentanyl, with them.
Nearly 10,000 pounds of fentanyl has been seized at the Southern Border so far this year, nearly doubling last year’s total seizures—and that’s just the fentanyl our U.S. border agents are catching. Many more deadly drugs are getting through, continuing to flood into our state, putting our residents at risk.
The federal government cannot simply ignore federal laws because it does not agree with them politically. By not following the law, the Biden administration has allowed the border crisis to grow into a public safety threat for our state.
I am proud to stand with Governor Ron DeSantis in ensuring the law is followed, and I will continue to aggressively pursue legal action to protect the interests of our state and our nation.
In The News
Gov. DeSantis, AG Moody vow to protect Floridians, sue Biden Administration over border security, WFLA Tampa Bay
Florida challenges 'catch and release' policy at southern border, Reuters
Florida sues Biden administration over immigration policy, Tampa Bay Times
Ashley Moody slams ‘nonsensical’ sanctuary cities ruling, Florida Politics
Florida AG Moody backs Buchanan’s bill to punish cop killers with death penalty, Bradenton Herald
Florida Attorney General touts U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan's police legislation, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Protecting Floridians
Attorney General Moody Implores Congressional Leaders to Support Thin Blue Line Act
Attorney General Ashley Moody held a news conference alongside Congressman Vern Buchanan in support of the Thin Blue Line Act. The legislation, sponsored by Congressman Buchanan and Sen. Pat Toomey, would make the intentional killing, or attempted killing, of a law enforcement officer, prosecutor, firefighter or other first responder acting in the line of duty an aggravating factor under the federal death penalty statute.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Our brave law enforcement officers risk their lives daily to protect and serve their communities. The first seven months of this year alone resulted in unprecedented violent acts, resulting in dozens of line-of-duty deaths for officers across our nation. We cannot permit the anti-police sentiment and blatant disrespect for law enforcement to fester and grow. Violent attacks on officers not only affect those who wear a badge, it lessens the safety and security of our communities at large.
“I am asking congressional leaders to take immediate action to protect those who swore an oath to serve by supporting the Thin Blue Line Act. This legislation will provide local and state law enforcement officers the same protection and support currently provided to federal officers—acting as a deterrent to anyone who would look to harm an officer.” Read More
Attorney General Moody Recognizes Positive Impact of Hispanic Police Officers Association with Thin Line Tribute
Attorney General Ashley Moody is honoring the contribution of Florida’s many Hispanic law enforcement officers in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. Attorney General Moody visited Doral to commend the Hispanic Police Officers Association with a Thin Line Tribute. The Thin Line Tribute is designed to encourage support for local law enforcement officers. The HPOA is a major component of the Miami-Dade Police Department and is a form of community support for its fellow officers.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “While every day we are grateful for the service of our Hispanic law enforcement officers across our state, it is especially important during Hispanic Heritage Month to highlight their countless contributions to Florida’s law enforcement community. I’m honored to continue our Thin Line Tribute initiative in Doral to show my appreciation for the work that the Hispanic Police Officers Association does in building a support system for its members. Law enforcement, while rewarding, can be a challenging profession. The HPOA assists by creating a community and built-in support system for its officers who dedicate their lives and careers to protecting Floridians.” Read More
Events
This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody joined Gov. Ron DeSantis and law enforcement in Fort Myers to announce the Attorney General's lawsuit against the Biden administration for failing to enforce federal immigration law. To view the full news conference, click here.
Attorney General Moody and Congressman Vern Buchanan in Bradenton urging lawmakers to pass the Thin Blue Line Act. The law would make the unlawful killing of a local or state law enforcement officer an aggravating factor in death sentence hearings across all 50 states.
Attorney General Moody honoring the Hispanic Police Officers Association with a Thin Line Tribute in Doral—in recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
The virtual 2021 Human Trafficking Summit launches next week on Oct. 5. It is free to register, and attendees will have access to hours of breakout sessions and targeted discussions on how to end human trafficking. To register, visit humantraffickingsummit.com.
The Florida Attorney General’s Office is mourning the loss of Associate Deputy Attorney General Chesterfield Smith. Attorney General Moody released the following statement after his passing:
“I am heartbroken at the sudden, tragic loss of our Associate Deputy Attorney General Chesterfield Smith, Jr. Chet was a brilliant attorney and more importantly a great human being. I’m shocked, and our entire office is grieving as we mourn a man who meant so much to us personally and professionally. Our prayers are with his family, and we are asking that people respect their privacy as they cope with this unexpected loss.”
For more information about Chet and his service to the state and citizens of Florida, click here.
For more information about Chet and his service to the state and citizens of Florida, click here.