The Byron Donalds for Governor campaign criticized Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and the County Commission on Mar. 11 after they passed a resolution to formally oppose a potential plan to convert a warehouse into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility.
The issue centers on public safety and immigration enforcement, with the campaign arguing that local officials are prioritizing politics over law enforcement efforts. Ryan Smith, Chief Strategist for the Byron Donalds for Governor Campaign, said, “Jerry Demings and Orange County Democrats are once again choosing political theater over public safety. Florida Democrats are trying to obstruct President Trump and federal law enforcement from removing criminal illegal aliens from our communities. That is reckless and irresponsible. As Florida’s next governor, Byron Donalds will stand with law enforcement, uphold the rule of law, and ensure Florida never becomes a sanctuary for criminals.”
According to the campaign statement, Byron Donalds visited and supported the proposed ICE facility in Orlando following threats by Demings to sue the federal government in order to prevent the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from enforcing immigration laws. The campaign emphasized that Donalds has consistently argued elected officials should support President Trump’s mandate to deport criminal illegal aliens.
On the topic of the potential Orlando facility, Donalds said, “if this is what ICE needs to fulfill their mission under federal law, then the state of Florida needs to be supportive of that…It makes no sense to me why Jerry Demings would be opposed to it.”
Donalds also stated his intention to remove any official who obstructs immigration enforcement: “Democrats are choosing obstruction over safety. Their refusal to fully support DHS and ICE weakens border security, empowers cartels and traffickers, and puts Florida families at risk. As the next governor of Florida, I will always stand with law enforcement to keep our state safe.”
The campaign described Donalds as being backed by a majority of Florida’s sheriffs and positioned him as a strong supporter of ICE’s efforts regarding criminal illegal aliens.
