Larry Keefe, who as public safety “czar” in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration helped orchestrate controversial flights of migrants from Texas to Massachusetts in 2022, was named Monday to oversee immigration enforcement in Florida.

After a month of online squabbling on social media, a third effort led to compromise legislation that the House and Senate both approved and the governor quickly signed.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed the architect of the controversial migrant flights from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard to lead the state’s new immigration enforcement board, just days after signing what he claims is the nation’s strictest immigration legislation.

Florida Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, announced Monday that he had named both Judd and Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri to the panel. The Florida Legislature created the council as part of a packet of immigration measures adopted in last week’s special session. Gov. Ron DeSantis promptly signed the bill into law.

Larry Keefe, who as public safety “czar” in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration helped orchestrate controversial flights of migrants from Texas to Massachusetts in 2022, was named Monday to oversee immigration enforcement in Florida.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri have been appointed to advise the Florida cabinet on immigration enforcement. The State Immigration Enforcement Council was created by Senate Bill 2C, which Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law last Thursday.

Senate President Ben Albritton has appointed Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd to the new State Immigration Enforcement Council.

FOX 13’s Evan Axelbank reports on Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri's appointment to advise the newly formed Florida Cabinet on immigration enforcement. The pair will provide insight and feedback on enforcing federal immigration law.