TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida's Attorney General announced that the state would be suing President Joe Biden's administration over new orders that have halted detentions of some immigrants who have served time in prison.
Attorney General Ashley Moody says the directive places residents and law enforcement in greater danger. She says the new guidance has resulted in immigration officials declining to take custody of people who have served sentences for burglary, drug trafficking, and other crimes.
"The Biden administration’s reckless policy of refusing to do their jobs and deport criminals, places all those gains and Floridians' public safety at risk," Moody said in a statement. "Until President Biden’s inauguration, presidents of both parties detained and deported criminals."
Moody's lawsuit challenges new guidance issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement last month that prioritizes deporting people who pose national security threats or have been convicted of more serious crimes.
Florida Department of Corrections has reported around seven instances of ICE agents refusing to take custody of migrants who have been released from state custody, according to the attorney general.
Florida's lawsuit follows a similar action filed by Arizona last month that Montana joined on Tuesday.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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