WIMAUMA, FL (WFLA) — It’s being called the strongest immigration enforcement law in any state. Florida lawmakers have passed legislation to combat illegal immigration.

Dozens of people in Wimauma protested the legislation Sunday.

Signs created by protestors read ‘I am not a criminal’, and ‘immigrants built this nation’. One person read their sign out loud.

“I decorated it, and it’s true, no human being is illegal,” said Roycee, a protestor.

They stood against immigration policies across the state and country, that they say single out people who speak Spanish or by the color of their skin.

“I’m out here supporting the people who are scared to speak up for themselves. And yes they might be here illegally but it’s not like they tried to come here illegally,” said Guadalupe, another protestor.

The law increases penalties for undocumented immigrants who commit crimes, funds local police to increase immigration enforcement, and creates a mandatory death penalty sentence for undocumented immigrants who commit murder.

“I think it’s going to mean the city is going to be safe. I think you’re going to end up, just having these policies will deter illegals from coming to Florida to begin with,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I think Florida is going to be viewed as a place that is not hospitable.”

Organizers of the protest said people should consider what’s at risk.

“The cost of living we’re seeing right now, and the pricing that we’re seeing across our state, in Florida specifically, is super high already. We’re going to see that go up dramatically when we don’t have immigrant workers, working the fields, working the landscaping businesses, working housekeeping businesses,” said Junior Salazar, an organizer with Mi Pueblo Unido.

8 On Your Side asked why people who want to come to the United States come illegally.

“That’s because of our immigration laws that we have in place. It’s not an easy process,” said Salazar. “Those that are seeking to come to the country, it is a very lengthy process, and not only that it’s a very costly process.”

Salazar said they want to be allowed to be in the country, and allowed an easier way to become a citizen. 8 On Your Side also asked what Salazar would say about those undocumented immigrants who are here committing crimes.

“We’re not proposing that people who commit criminal acts deserve to stay here. When we hear criminals deserve to go back to their country, rightfully so,” said Salazar. “Are we treating citizens the same way that we are treating undocumented immigrants?”

Governor Ron DeSantis was critical of Democrats who stood against the legislation.

“When you care more about people coming to our country illegally than you do about your own citizens, you’ve lost the plot,” said DeSantis.

Salazar argued that non-citizens should be treated the same as citizens.
“If we’re not going to be treated the same way, with dignity, then how can we be the country of freedom? How can we be the leader of the free world when we can’t treat people equally regardless of their legal status?” said Salazar.

Governor DeSantis said more guidance on the enforcement of the laws can be expected in the coming weeks.