Florida’s recently signed immigration law, SB 1718, has sparked controversy and fear, particularly among the state’s immigrant communities. The law, which Governor Ron DeSantis has touted as “the strongest legislation against illegal immigration anywhere in the country,” aims to curb illegal immigration by imposing strict penalties. While initially designed to restrict access to basic services for undocumented immigrants, SB 1718 has been widely criticized for its potential to further marginalize vulnerable populations.
Among the most vocal critics of the law is Sister Ann Kendrick, a Catholic nun with decades of experience serving Florida’s large undocumented immigrant population. Based in Apopka, Sister Ann has dedicated her life to advocating for justice, founding a range of community projects, and providing support to families affected by immigration raids and deportations. Her work has been instrumental in helping migrant farmworkers and their families navigate the hardships of life in the U.S. without legal status.
Sister Ann’s story is deeply intertwined with the lives of the immigrants she serves. “The people I know and love are good, faithful, God-loving people,” she says, highlighting their resilience despite the harsh conditions they face. Her advocacy is rooted in personal experience; a visit to Guatemala in her youth left her with a lasting understanding of injustice and a commitment to fighting oppression. Her faith, shaped by Latin American liberation theology, informs her approach to both immigration and social justice.
As the law was being debated, the atmosphere in Florida was charged with anti-immigrant rhetoric, which critics argue has made it easier to pass laws like SB 1718. This rhetoric often targets immigrants through unfounded rumors, such as one spread by then-candidate Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential debate, which falsely claimed Haitian immigrants in Ohio were stealing pets to eat. Such misinformation, while debunked, fuels a hostile climate for immigrant communities.
For many Christians in Florida, SB 1718 represents a clash between their faith and their political beliefs. While some support the law, believing it will make the country safer, others see it as a direct contradiction to the gospel’s message of compassion and justice. Sister Ann, who has long fought for the rights of immigrants, calls the law “a gut punch” for many families, who now live in heightened fear of deportation and separation.
The law’s potential to damage Florida’s economy is also a concern. Farmers in Plant City, where much of the state’s agriculture relies on immigrant labor, have warned that anti-immigrant policies will worsen labor shortages, which in turn could harm local businesses and drive up food costs.
SB 1718 also poses risks for religious leaders like Sister Ann. Although she is a U.S. citizen, she is now at risk of arrest for what the law defines as “trafficking,” which includes providing transportation to undocumented individuals. For Sister Ann, this simply means offering rides to immigrants in need—something she has done for years without issue.
In the face of such laws, Sister Ann and other faith leaders continue to urge their communities to reflect on the true teachings of the gospel. “A spirituality of liberation,” as described by Peruvian theologian Gustavo Gutiérrez, calls for a conversion to the neighbor, especially the oppressed and marginalized. For Sister Ann, that means listening to the fears of children whose parents may be deported or detained at any moment.
As Florida’s new law goes into effect, the question remains whether it will foster more division or lead to a broader movement for justice. Advocates like Sister Ann hope to unite people across faiths and backgrounds to stand against laws that harm the most vulnerable. In her eyes, true Christian faith demands that we see the immigrant not as an enemy, but as our neighbor—someone deserving of love, compassion, and justice.
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