In a recent Telemundo News interview, Orlando criminal defense attorney and television legal analyst Jose Rivas provided crucial insights into the new immigration law, the Laken Riley Act, recently signed into law by Donald Trump. This legislation marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, with far-reaching consequences for Florida’s immigrant communities and economy.

Tough Aspects of the New Immigration Law

The Laken Riley Act contains several harsh provisions:

1. Mandatory Detention: The law requires that undocumented immigrants arrested or charged with certain crimes, including theft and violent offenses, be detained – even before conviction.
2. Expands State Enforcement Powers: The new immigration law gives the state the power to sue the federal government over enforcement measures it doesn’t think go far enough.
3. Visa Restrictions: The law could mean limitations on visa for countries that refuse to accept deportees.

Rivas said the new immigration law could weaken due process protections. “The Constitution says a person is innocent until proven guilty,” he told Telemundo. “This new immigration law detains individuals on mere accusations.”

Implications for Florida

Rivas said that the Laken Riley Act could mean significant changes for Florida’s legal and economic landscape:

Legal Consequences

• Due Process Concerns: Rivas said that a minor infraction can now lead to deportation. “Someone could be detained for accidentally not scanning an item or driving without a license,” he said. “ICE can now issue a ‘hold’ during bail hearings, bypassing courts entirely.”
• Expanded Enforcement: The law broadens the definition of gang-related activities, which could affect more immigrant groups.
• Voter Registration Changes: Voters will now have to show proof of U.S. citizenship and Florida residency for voter registration, with steeper penalties for violations.

Economic Impact

• Labor Shortages: Industries like construction and agriculture that depend on immigrant labor could have difficulty finding workers.
• Educational Access: The repeal of in-state college tuition for undocumented students could limit educational opportunities.
• Remittance Regulations: New identity verification requirements for foreign remittance transfers may affect immigrant families’ ability to support relatives abroad.

Legal Advice About the New Immigration Law

Rivas had important advice for Florida’s immigrant residents:

• Avoid Unnecessary Risks: “If you’re undocumented, avoid any situation that could lead to accusations—no matter how minor.”
• Vehicle Compliance: Make sure vehicle registrations and tags are up-to-date to prevent “legal justification” for traffic stops.
• Seek Immediate Legal Counsel: If detained, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.

The new immigration law also has advocacy groups worried about increased racial profiling.

Meanwhile, Governor Ron DeSantis says the Laken Riley Act doesn’t go far enough. He has proposed laws that would:

• Mandate full cooperation of local law enforcement with federal immigration authorities.
• Make it a state crime to enter the U.S. illegally.
• Expand the Unauthorized Alien Transport Program (UATP).

The Laken Riley Act represents a hard line shift in U.S. immigration policy. Trump has indicated that this law might be “only the beginning” of a broader immigration crackdown.

Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney

As Florida grapples with the implementation of this new immigration law, its effects on communities, businesses, and the legal system remain to be fully seen. Rivas’s insights underscore the critical need for informed legal guidance in navigating this complex and evolving landscape.

For those facing detention or deportation under the new law, seeking professional legal counsel is more crucial than ever. The stakes for immigrant families and businesses relying on immigrant labor have never been higher in Florida’s recent history.

Call 407-644-2466 to speak with an Orlando criminal defense attorney at the Rivas Law Firm.

Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney Jose Rivas is a veteran bilingual TV Legal Analyst who has appeared on Univision, Fox News, Telemundo, and many other news outlets.