Bill would make human smuggling misdemeanor charge

Apr 29, 2009 1 min read

TALLAHASSEE (AP) – Human smugglers have been able to get away from state and local law enforcement officers becaus smuggling smuggling illegal immigrants into Florida is not against state law, but a bill headed to the governor would change that.

Human smuggling already is a federal crime, but state and local law enforcement officers cannot arrest suspects they may come across – often while patrolling state waters.

The bill (HB 123) passed Tuesday by the Senate has already passed the House. It permits state and local officers to arrest smugglers and charge them with a first-degree misdemeanor. They’d then likely be turned over to federal authorities.

The maximum penalty would be a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.