Truck drivers have recently voiced calls for boycotts in response to Florida’s newly imposed penalties and restrictions on undocumented immigrants. These measures mandate employers to verify the work authorization of their workers in the United States.
Across various social media platforms, Latino truck drivers are now expressing their intention to cease delivering goods to and from Florida. They are also urging fellow migrants to refrain from work for a period of up to one week.
Videos posted on TikTok by drivers convey messages like “don’t enter Florida” and encourage others to join their cause. As a result, a significant number of truck drivers have publicly stated their refusal to drive through the state.
The drivers plan to boycott Florida by abstaining from driving within the state, beginning as early as next month. Hashtags such as #noFlorida and #boycottFlorida are gaining traction in this movement.
Senate Bill 1718 aims to curtail the inflow of illegal immigration. Under the new law, businesses with more than 25 employees are obligated to use E-verify, a federal system that enables enrolled employers to verify the legal work authorization of their employees in the U.S. This law does not apply to independent contractors.
The new immigration law further requires employers to terminate an employee if it is discovered that the individual is a “foreign national” unauthorized to work in the country. The law also renders out-of-state identification cards issued to “unauthorized immigrants” invalid.
Florida’s new law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 10, is set to take effect on July 1.
