TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — New bills proposed at the state level are working to criminalize those who are transporting people living in the country illegally. Senate Bill 1718 would make it a third-degree felony to drive someone you know is living in the country illegally.

What You Need To Know

  • Senate Bill 1718 would make it illegal to drive people living in the U.S illegally 

  • The Senate version has a companion bill, HB 1617

  • Some Apopka community center staffers are concerned, as some immigrants they serve may be in the U.S. illegally

  • Senate Republicans said they hope to pressure the U.S. government to fix what they say is a broken immigration system

The Hope CommUnity Centre in Apopka boasts a fleet of vans that are en route to pick up residents every day. The center provides resources, classes and community groups for people living across Central Florida.

“Not many of our members in the community have their own transportation,” said Hope CommUnity Center staff member Salvador Rosas. “We have seen many along the years end up having to walk to our center to get the services that they need.”

The center reports serving about 16,000 immigrants. Driving those who are living here illegally could make Rosas a felon under SB 1718 if the Florida Legislature passes the legislation in its current form.

The sponsor of the bill, Sen. Blaise Ingoglia (R-District 11), said he hopes the bill will put pressure on the federal government to fix what he says is a broken immigration system. He also said he hopes other states, like Texas, will move similar bills forward.

“I want your families to be legal, and every time someone comes up here and says they have family and friends that are in this country illegally, I blame the federal government. Because this is their fault,” said Ingoglia, whose district includes Citrus, Hernando, Sumter and parts of Pasco counties.

Some opponents also said they worry about what this means for children of those living in the country illegally.

Silvia Ruiz, a community organizer at the center, has temporary resident status through DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). Some of her family members are in the United States illegally, and the proposed bill could prevent her from getting them to necessary appointments.

“When I heard about this bill, that can possibly be a reality, I was scared. And I think I still am,” Ruiz said.

The Fiscal Policy Committee is scheduled to take up the measure on Tuesday. If it moves forward and ends up signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, SB 1718 would go into effect on July 1.