Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia proposed holding politicians accountable for supporting sanctuary policies, suggesting they could be prosecuted as accessories to crimes committed by undocumented immigrants in areas implementing such policies.

Speaking during a brief press conference, Ingoglia stated, “We should start charging the politicians who vote for sanctuary policies, make them accessories to the crimes committed by illegal immigrants in those areas.” The statement, captured in a 66-second video clip, underscores Florida’s intensified approach toward sanctuary enforcement.

The proposal aligns with Ingoglia’s 2026 legislation aimed at escalating penalties for illegal immigration and sanctuary city advocacy. Advocates of the initiative argue that sanctuary policies reduce accountability, allowing criminal activity by non-citizens to go unchecked, and that policymakers who support these measures should bear legal responsibility.

The remarks also come amid Florida’s recent allocation of $1.7 million in grants to local law enforcement agencies for immigration enforcement, highlighting a broader state strategy to curb sanctuary policies and increase accountability at both municipal and state levels.

Supporters cite research from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) indicating that the United States spends over $150 billion annually on enforcement, healthcare, and social services for undocumented immigrants, framing stricter penalties and legal accountability as fiscal and security priorities. Critics, however, argue that criminalizing elected officials for policy decisions could raise constitutional concerns and complicate legislative governance.

Ingoglia’s comments are expected to fuel debate over sanctuary policies nationwide, as Florida positions itself at the forefront of legal and enforcement measures targeting local jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.