As of July 28, 2025, Texas and Florida are leading a wave of tough new immigration enforcement laws, backed by billions in federal funding and strong support from President Trump’s administration. These changes are reshaping how states handle immigration, with immediate and far-reaching effects for immigrants, families, employers, and communities across the United States 🇺🇸.
Federal Funding Fuels State Crackdowns
In May and July 2025, Congress passed major bills that direct over $12 billion to states for border-related immigration enforcement. The House version provides $12 billion, while the Senate’s “State Border Security Reinforcement Fund” adds another $10 billion, plus $3.5 billion for state and local reimbursements. These funds are meant to help states pay for immigration enforcement, detention, and prosecutions. Texas, which has already spent over $11 billion on its “Operation Lone Star,” stands to benefit the most.
The new laws clarify that state and local officials must act within existing federal rules. This means states cannot create their own immigration laws from scratch, but they can use federal money to enforce current federal rules more aggressively. Still, the extra funding and political support have encouraged states like Texas and Florida to push the limits of what is allowed.
Texas: Expanding Operation Lone Star
Texas has become the center of state-led immigration enforcement. Under Governor Greg Abbott, the state has expanded “Operation Lone Star,” which uses state police and the National Guard to patrol the border, arrest people for trespassing, and build new border barriers. Texas laws now allow state police to arrest and detain anyone suspected of being in the country without permission. They can also prosecute these individuals under state criminal laws.
Texas is also challenging the federal government’s control over immigration enforcement. Legal battles are ongoing, with courts deciding whether Texas’s actions violate the U.S. Constitution, which gives the federal government primary power over immigration. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these legal fights could set important precedents for how much power states have in immigration matters.
Florida: Strict Employer Rules and Criminal Penalties
Florida has taken a different but equally tough approach. The state now requires all employers to use E-Verify, a federal system that checks if new hires are allowed to work in the United States 🇺🇸. Employers who do not use E-Verify can face heavy fines or lose their business licenses. This rule affects every business in Florida, from large companies to small family-run shops.
Florida’s laws also make it a crime to transport undocumented immigrants, even if they are family members or people being helped by churches or charities. Local governments are banned from creating “sanctuary” policies, which are rules that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Florida also increased penalties for using fake documents or false identification related to immigration status.
Other States Follow Texas and Florida’s Lead
States like Arizona, Georgia, and Oklahoma have introduced or expanded laws similar to those in Texas and Florida. These laws allow local police to help enforce federal immigration rules, restrict access to state benefits for undocumented immigrants, and increase penalties for being in the country without permission. Some states are also requiring agencies to share driver’s license and taxpayer information with federal authorities, threatening to withhold federal funds from those that refuse.
Federal Executive Orders and Legislative Changes
Since January 2025, President Trump has signed several executive orders that have changed federal immigration policy:
- Revoked protections for asylum seekers and refugees, suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and making it harder to apply for asylum.
- Expanded expedited removal, allowing for quick deportation of undocumented immigrants anywhere in the country without a court hearing.
- Eliminated “sensitive locations” protections, meaning ICE can now conduct raids at schools, hospitals, and places of worship.
- Targeted DACA, TPS, and humanitarian visas for elimination, removing legal protections from hundreds of thousands of people.
- Proposed ending birthright citizenship for some children born in the United States 🇺🇸, though this is currently blocked by a federal court.
Congress is also considering the Ending Catch and Release Act of 2025 (H.R.57), which would require asylum seekers to be detained or sent to a neighboring country while their cases are decided. This bill would also make it harder for people to qualify for asylum and expand the use of expedited removal.
Key Stakeholders and Their Positions
- Governor Greg Abbott (Texas) and Governor Ron DeSantis (Florida) are leading the push for stricter immigration enforcement. They argue these laws are needed to protect public safety and secure the border.
- President Trump and his administration have called for “mass deportation” and an end to “catch and release,” using all available resources to stop illegal immigration.
- Civil rights and immigrant advocacy groups like the American Immigration Council and the ACLU strongly oppose these laws. They warn that the new rules are unconstitutional, discriminatory, and dangerous, putting people at risk of being detained or deported without due process.
- Federal courts are reviewing the legality of many of these measures, especially those that may go beyond what the Constitution allows states to do.
Practical Effects on Immigrants and Communities
The new laws and enforcement measures have immediate and serious effects:
- Increased risk of detention and deportation: More people, including some with legal status, face arrest and removal due to expanded enforcement and fewer legal protections.
- Chilling effect: Many immigrants avoid schools, hospitals, and police out of fear, even if they have done nothing wrong. This can lead to worse health, less education, and more crime going unreported.
- Loss of access to benefits: Mixed-status families and individuals may lose access to housing, education, and healthcare in states with new restrictions.
- Workforce disruptions: Industries like agriculture, construction, hospitality, and services are seeing labor shortages as fewer immigrants are willing or able to work, hurting local economies.
- Legal uncertainty: Dreamers (DACA recipients), TPS holders, and others face an uncertain future as their legal protections are threatened by new policies and court cases.
How Enforcement Works: Step by Step
- State Law Enforcement: Police or state agents can stop, question, and detain people they suspect are in the country without permission. Those detained are handed over to state or federal authorities for quick removal or prosecution.
- Employer Compliance: In Florida, all employers must use E-Verify to check new hires’ work authorization. Not following this rule can lead to fines or loss of business licenses.
- Access to Services: State agencies may deny benefits or services to people who cannot prove legal status. They may also have to share personal information with federal authorities.
- Legal Recourse: People facing detention or deportation have limited access to courts, especially under the expanded expedited removal rules. Advocacy groups are offering legal help and challenging these laws in court, but the outcomes are still uncertain.
Supporters and Critics: Different Perspectives
Supporters of these laws say they are needed to restore order, stop illegal immigration, and protect public resources. They argue that strong enforcement will deter people from crossing the border without permission and make communities safer.
Critics warn that these laws violate the Constitution, create humanitarian crises, and hurt the economy. They point to the chilling effect on immigrant communities, the risk of wrongful detention and deportation, and the loss of workers in key industries. Economists say that fewer immigrants could slow economic growth, reduce Social Security contributions, and lead to population decline.
Legal scholars caution that letting states enforce federal immigration law could lead to long court battles and confusion about who is in charge. They warn that some state laws may be struck down if they go too far.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
For many years, the federal government controlled most immigration enforcement. States had limited power, mainly because the Constitution gives the federal government the main role in immigration. But in recent years, especially in Texas and Florida, states have become more active. The current period marks the toughest stance on immigration in decades, with President Trump’s administration pushing for strict enforcement and supporting states that want to do more.
Legal battles over who has the final say—states or the federal government—are ongoing. The results of these cases will shape the future of immigration policy in the United States 🇺🇸.
What’s Next?
- More state enforcement: If federal funding continues and courts allow it, states like Texas and Florida will likely keep expanding their immigration enforcement efforts.
- Court decisions: Ongoing lawsuits may block or change some of the harshest measures, especially those that conflict with federal law or the Constitution.
- Possible new federal laws: Congress may pass more laws to restrict immigration, depending on political negotiations and court rulings.
- Advocacy and resistance: Civil rights groups and some local governments are expected to fight back, possibly creating new sanctuary policies or launching more legal challenges.
What Should Affected Individuals and Employers Do?
- Know your rights: Immigrants should learn about their rights during police stops and immigration checks. Many advocacy groups offer free resources and legal help.
- Employers in Florida: Make sure to use E-Verify for all new hires to avoid penalties. For more information, visit the official E-Verify website.
- Families and communities: Stay informed about changes in state and federal laws. Reach out to trusted organizations like the American Immigration Council or the National Immigration Law Center for updates and support.
- Legal help: If facing detention or deportation, seek legal advice as soon as possible. Many organizations provide free or low-cost legal services.
Official Resources
For the latest information on immigration laws, forms, and procedures, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. This site provides official forms, updates on policy changes, and contact information for help.
Caveats and Limitations
The legal status of many new state laws is still being decided in court. Some rules may be blocked or changed in the coming months. Federal policy is also changing quickly, with new executive orders and bills being introduced often. Data on how these laws affect communities and the economy is still coming in, so the full impact may not be clear for some time.
Conclusion
The current wave of immigration enforcement in Texas, Florida, and other states marks a major shift in how the United States 🇺🇸 handles immigration. With strong support from President Trump’s administration and billions in new funding, states are taking a leading role in enforcing immigration laws. These changes bring new risks and challenges for immigrants, families, and employers, while raising important questions about the balance of power between states and the federal government. As the situation continues to develop, staying informed and seeking help from trusted organizations is more important than ever.
Learn Today
Operation Lone Star → Texas state program using police and National Guard for border patrol and immigration enforcement.
E-Verify → Federal online system that checks if new hires are authorized to work in the U.S.
Expedited Removal → Federal policy allowing quick deportation of undocumented immigrants without court hearings.
DACA → Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program protecting certain immigrants from deportation.
Sanctuary Policies → Local rules restricting cooperation with federal immigration authorities to protect undocumented immigrants.
This Article in a Nutshell
In 2025, Texas and Florida lead harsh immigration enforcement backed by $12 billion federal funding and Trump’s support, reshaping policies and impacting immigrants, employers, and communities nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
