Florida sheriff urges illegal aliens to voluntarily leave before Trump's inauguration: "Southbound and down"

Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff, suggests that self-deportation could prevent illegal immigrants from serving time in jail.

Florida sheriff urges illegal aliens to voluntarily leave before Trump's inauguration: "Southbound and down"
Florida sheriff urges illegal aliens to voluntarily leave before Trump's inauguration: "Southbound and down"

A Florida sheriff is taking a stand against illegal immigration by making a bold statement to those residing in the state illegally before President-elect Trump's inauguration.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd stated, "Southbound and down. Do it yourself. You can self-deport and avoid a lot of prison sentence, but it's time. Southbound and down."

Gov. Ron DeSantis and several local and state officials joined Grady during a press conference in Winter Haven to discuss actions against illegal immigration.

Judd said a crackdown on illegal immigration would help reduce crime.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd (Polk County Sheriff's Office)

Judd stated that Florida should lead the way for other states in backing Trump's efforts to remove criminals who are harming our citizens.

At the press conference, Judd disclosed various instances of crimes committed by illegal immigrants, including murder, DUI manslaughter, and organized theft rings.

DeSantis mirrored Judd's sentiments and expressed his belief that the second Trump administration would promptly counteract the Biden administration's immigration policy.

Split image of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and immigration supporter
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vowed to help President-elect Trump crack down on illegal immigration. (Getty Images)

""The mission is to put an end to the illegal immigration crisis in the United States of America," DeSantis stated, with a sense of urgency in Florida."

The Biden administration has been sued by Florida on multiple occasions, including for its "illegal" catch-and-release policies at the southern border and for allegedly refusing to assist the state in removing noncitizens from voter rolls for the 2024 election.

Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis shake hands
Then-President Trump greets Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis during a campaign rally on Oct. 31, 2018, in Estero, Fla. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The governor scheduled a special session to address illegal immigration, including detention and relocation, beginning the week after Trump's inauguration. The state must work to support Trump's promises to tackle illegal immigration and ensure that "we don’t have any lingering incentives for people to come into our state illegally."

Trump expressed gratitude to DeSantis for convening a special session and encouraged other governors to do the same.

Planet Chronicle Digital's Landon Mion contributed to this report.

Stepheny Price is a writer for Planet Chronicle Digital and Fox Business. If you have story tips or ideas, you can send them to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).

by Stepheny Price

us

Memo: DOJ to probe state and local officials impeding immigration enforcement.

Memo: DOJ to probe state and local officials impeding immigration enforcement.

us
After leaving office, Biden visits his favorite California vacation spot.

After leaving office, Biden visits his favorite California vacation spot.

us
Trump's oil and gas drilling executive order receives approval from Alaska leaders.

Trump's oil and gas drilling executive order receives approval from Alaska leaders.

us
Adopted teenagers allege West Virginia mother locked them in shed, mother denies accusations.

Adopted teenagers allege West Virginia mother locked them in shed, mother denies accusations.

us
Law enforcement in Oregon has been cleared of excessive force allegations in a lawsuit brought by protesters in 2020.

Law enforcement in Oregon has been cleared of excessive force allegations in a lawsuit brought by protesters in 2020.

us
Zoo elephants in Colorado cannot seek release as they are not considered human.

Zoo elephants in Colorado cannot seek release as they are not considered human.

us
A Texas mother was arrested after being discovered outside in freezing temperatures with two infants: sheriff's office.

A Texas mother was arrested after being discovered outside in freezing temperatures with two infants: sheriff's office.

us
A man from Maryland is being accused of murdering his girlfriend and concealing her body in a makeshift tomb, according to police reports.

A man from Maryland is being accused of murdering his girlfriend and concealing her body in a makeshift tomb, according to police reports.

us
ICE coordination with NYC imminent for mass migrant deportations, says Adams.

ICE coordination with NYC imminent for mass migrant deportations, says Adams.

us
On Turks and Caicos vacation, a stray bullet kills an American deputy.

On Turks and Caicos vacation, a stray bullet kills an American deputy.

us
Despite Trump's presidency, a new migrant caravan is heading towards the border.

Despite Trump's presidency, a new migrant caravan is heading towards the border.

us
Two individuals were apprehended by California law enforcement in the Palisades Fire evacuation area due to "suspicious" conduct.

Two individuals were apprehended by California law enforcement in the Palisades Fire evacuation area due to "suspicious" conduct.

us
Tragic discovery: A dead woman is found on a NYC subway train by the conductor.

Tragic discovery: A dead woman is found on a NYC subway train by the conductor.

us
Police apprehend armed smugglers linked to foreign prison gang and cartel in US sting operation.

Police apprehend armed smugglers linked to foreign prison gang and cartel in US sting operation.

us
An Alabama police officer shot and killed a Georgia fire chief who had stopped to assist a driver who struck a deer.

An Alabama police officer shot and killed a Georgia fire chief who had stopped to assist a driver who struck a deer.

us
An agent from the U.S. Border Patrol who was killed in Vermont has been identified.

An agent from the U.S. Border Patrol who was killed in Vermont has been identified.

us