Proof of citizenship to buy lottery? Florida governor says "stay tuned"

Buying a scratch-off ticket or grabbing a six-pack in Florida might soon come with more than just a receipt. Governor Ron DeSantis has unveiled a plan that takes immigration enforcement far beyond the patrol car and into convenience stores, casinos, liquor shops, and even the Florida Lottery. But what exactly will that look like for everyday Floridians? The governor says to “stay tuned.”

Expanding immigration enforcement in Florida

During a press conference on Thursday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the state is planning on expanding the immigration vigilance and enforcement partnership they have with federal authorities. This expanded partnership will now include state agencies that oversee a bunch of businesses in Florida and the Florida Lottery.

Officials say that Tallahassee has already enlisted around 100 police agencies across the state for this so-called 287(g) program. For this program, state and local law enforcement will work in collaboration with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, better known as ICE, to apprehend people in the country without permission.

DeSantis said they are “not just stopping with law enforcement” and they plan on including the Department of Business and Professional Regulation Division of Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco, the Florida Gaming Control Commission and the Florida Lottery.

Why these agencies? DeSantis said these agencies “all operate in a target rich environment” for immigration enforcement. He stated at the press conference:

During their routine inspection and investigative duties, special agents are oftentimes in contact with people who may be in our country illegally. So we think deputizing those officers in regulatory spaces is going to be another source to lead to these immigration and enforcement efforts.

What does this mean for lottery players in Florida?

While these agencies are monitoring vendors, businesses, and employees, it seems like the possibility of these immigration and enforcement efforts would be focused on them. However, will the enforcement be limited to just them, or will any person wanting to purchase lottery tickets or any other regulated service or product in the state need to show proof of citizenship or legal residency?

DeSantis addressed this at the press conference, saying:

I think that remains to be seen how exactly they are going to do it. I think these folks are involved in areas where they are likely going to be able to add value to what ICE and DHS are doing. So just stay tuned and see how that unfolds.

Looking to add to their numbers

This new plan was announced during a news conference in southwestern Broward County, which was called by federal immigration authorities. The news conference was for these authorities to tout the apprehension of what they said were 1,120 “criminal aliens.”

Of those “criminal aliens,” the Department of Homeland Security and ICE said that 378 have already faced “final orders of removal,” or deportation. These orders were issued by an immigration court, officials said.

Enjoy playing the Florida Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.