Residents of The Villages, Florida—a well-known MAGA stronghold—are clear about what they want President Donald Trump to tackle first in his new term: securing the southern border. In interviews with Fox News Digital, residents repeatedly cited immigration reform as their top priority, with many expressing concerns about public safety and law enforcement resources.
“Immigration reform is necessary for the safety of the people,” one resident shared, underscoring the urgent need to address what they view as unchecked illegal immigration. Another resident added, “If immigrants come across the right way, it’s fine. But if they come across without anything, that’s not correct.”
Immigration Crackdown Gains Momentum
Recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity highlights the ongoing border crisis. Over the weekend, ICE reported nearly 1,000 arrests, many occurring in Florida. Among those detained were:
- A Nicaraguan national in Broward County arrested for aggravated assault, unlawful weapon possession, and discharging a firearm in public.
- A Jamaican national charged with possession of oxycodone, a firearm violation during a felony, and operating a motor vehicle without a valid license.
- A Mexican national in Martin County, apprehended for traffic offenses and multiple DUI convictions.
- Florida is no stranger to the challenges posed by illegal immigration. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants live in the U.S., with The Tallahassee Democrat reporting that 5% of Florida’s population—1.1 million people—are undocumented.
Governor Ron DeSantis has championed policies to support Trump’s immigration crackdown. He proposed requiring Florida counties to participate in federal deportation programs, granting the governor power to suspend noncompliant officials, and making illegal entry a state crime. While some of his measures faced pushback from state lawmakers, they remain a significant part of the conversation around immigration reform.
Border Security, Economy Top Priorities
Residents of The Villages are not only calling for secure borders but also economic recovery. With inflation and energy costs impacting everyday Americans, locals hope Trump will prioritize domestic drilling and stabilize the economy.
“Four years isn’t enough to fix all the damage from the last four years, but I hope he starts right away with strong momentum,” one resident said.
As a hub of MAGA support, The Villages embodies the grassroots demand for restoring America’s security and prosperity. From immigration reform to energy independence, Floridians are eager for Trump to deliver on his promises immediately.
