MIAMI — Miami-Dade Republican sheriff candidate Rosie Cordero-Stutz recently affirmed her strong stance against fighting illegal immigration locally if elected as the county's first sheriff in nearly 60 years.
"We as a sheriff's office will battle criminality, that is our key component. If you happen to be an illegal alien who is committing crime, I am going to address that," Cordero-Stutz told The Floridan. "The sheriff's office will address it. I think the federal [government] has to do their part when it comes to illegal immigration, and I look forward to a time where we have much better laws in place to protect us from that illegal immigration."
While promising to uphold local immigration law, Cordero-Stutz urged the federal government to do the same.
"First and foremost, let's make it clear, federal immigration laws are federal. That is the responsibility of the federal [government] to enforce," Cordero-Stutz said. "If you commit a local crime, then as a sheriff's office I am going to make sure you're arrested and prosecuted. If you happen to be an illegal alien who committed a local crime, I'm happy to turn you over to the federal [government] so they can handle you on the federal side."
Previously endorsed by former President Donald Trump, Cordero-Stutz has been with the Miami-Dade Police Department for over 28 years. While moving up in rank over that period, Cordero-Stutz currently works as Assistant Director of Investigative Services for the department.
Her tough on stance crime also has earned her the endorsement of the Florida Fraternal Order of Police, or FOP. Despite her strong line approach, Cordero-Stutz has vowed working with Democrat Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
"I think our lines of responsibility have to be clear, we are a law-and-order sheriff's office, and I plan to effect myself that way," Cordero-Stutz added.
Cordero-Stutz is facing off against Democrat James Reyes in the general election on Nov. 5.
