House panel approves human smuggling bill
by Michael C. Bender | December 12th, 2007
Central American migrants jump a moving train in Mexico on their way to the United States. Gary Coronado/The Palm Beach Post.
Florida law enforcement officials could arrest persons who help immigrants illegally enter the state under a bill from Rep. William Snyder, R-Stuart. The bill received unanimous support from a House committee today and will be considered by the Safety & Security Council once the 2008 session starts in March.
“Right now, if a boat or van comes across (state lines), the locals can make the stop and detain the offenders,” Snyder said. “But they’re not able to arrest the offenders if customs can’t respond to the scene … Cases can be lost.”
Snyder said there are a half-dozen other states that supplement federal laws by giving local authorities the power to arrest human smugglers. “This gives Florida the ability to help itself,” he said.
The retired Martin County Sheriff’s Office major has three other crime-related bills for next year, including one that would impose mandatory life sentences for the murder of a law enforcement officer. This year, Snyder’s first in the legislature, Gov. Charlie Crist signed two of the six bills he sponsored.
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December 13th, 2007 at 11:01 am
Way to go William. You make us proud.
December 13th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
Most people who oppose the immigrant came from somewhere themselves.Of course a Country should be able to control who is coming in /out it’s territory;however we should not use the immigrant as our ladder to attract voters.we all know that most jobs of diswasher,lawnservices,cook,hotel housekeeper etc are being filled by immigrants because no body else would want to do them.please leave us alone.we are no terrorists,we are no drug dealers,we are no criminals,we only want to have a better opportunity to work & have decent lives for US & our kids
December 13th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
We echo Jerry’s comment. We are happy to have you as a Florida representative. Keep up the good work.
December 13th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
We echo Jerry’s comment. We are happy to have you as a Florida representative. Keep up the good work.