Fla. Gov Scott Backs Checking Immigrant Status After Arrest

Florida Gov. Rick Scott campaigned on passing tougher immigration laws, and he spoke out again on the issue Tuesday saying that police should be able to check the immigration status of anyone that’s arrested, the Tampa Tribune reported.

Scott made his remarks on 970 WFLA-AM as state lawmakers are considering Arizona-style immigration enforcement bills.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott

The Republican governor did not go as far as a state House bill that would allow local police to check a person's immigration status if they suspect that the person is in the country illegally.

The bill also would require that police check the status of anyone under investigation — though not necessarily arrested — for a crime. Courts have blocked similar provisions in Arizona's immigration legislation.

In addition, the bill makes being in the country illegally a criminal misdemeanor. Under federal law, it’s a civil infraction.

The House bill also mandates employers use a federal database called E-Verify to check whether new employees are eligible to work in the United States.

Hundreds of immigrant activists have been protesting the proposed immigration bills across the state, with more rallies planned as the debate continues.