Rep. María Elvira Salazar has highlighted recent remarks from a Florida sheriff regarding the need for immigration reform, emphasizing congressional responsibility and her support for the DIGNITY Act in a series of posts on March 17, 2026.
In her first post, Salazar stated, “A Florida sheriff just said what Washington needs to hear on immigration reform: @PolkCoSheriff Grady Judd is laying out the reality our law enforcement agents face every day: our immigration laws are outdated, and the current enforcement model is simply not sustainable.” (March 17, 2026).
She continued by stressing Congress’s role in addressing these issues. In a subsequent tweet she wrote, “He made it clear: this is Congress’s responsibility, and he’s right! That’s exactly why the DIGNITY Act exists: to restore order, enforce the law, and finally deliver a real, responsible solution.” (March 17, 2026).
In another message posted moments later, Salazar elaborated on the objectives of the proposed legislation. She stated that “What @PolkCoSheriff is calling for is exactly what the DIGNITY Act delivers: Restore order. Enforce the law. Create a real, responsible path forward. Yes, we deport criminals, but we also deal with reality: people who have lived here for years, worked, followed the law,” (March 17, 2026).
The DIGNITY Act referenced by Rep. Salazar is an immigration reform bill that aims to update existing laws and create pathways for individuals who have resided in the United States long-term while prioritizing law enforcement efforts against criminal activity. The act has been promoted as a bipartisan approach designed to address gaps in current U.S. immigration policy.
Grady Judd serves as Sheriff of Polk County in Florida and has previously voiced concerns about challenges faced by local law enforcement under current federal immigration policies.