First Arrest Made Under Florida’s New Immigration Law Happens in Brevard County
By Space Coast Daily // March 13, 2025
Felipe Hernandez-Chavarin, 38, arrested for trespassing and illegal re-entry into the country
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office has announced the first arrest under Florida’s newly enacted immigration law. The arrest comes just weeks after Governor Ron DeSantis signed the legislation, which makes it a state-level crime for individuals to enter or re-enter the United States illegally—an enforcement responsibility previously handled by federal agencies.
Authorities have identified the arrested individual as 38-year-old Felipe Hernandez-Chavarin. He was taken into custody on charges of trespassing and illegal re-entry into the country. According to official records, Hernandez-Chavarin is currently being held at the Brevard County Jail without bond.
The arrest report states that a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer observed Hernandez-Chavarin trespassing on private property at Willowbrook Farms in Palm Bay on Tuesday. The officer noted that he had entered through a locked gate marked with a “no trespassing” sign and was attempting to catch fish using a net in the farm’s canals.
Further investigation revealed that Hernandez-Chavarin had previously been deported by U.S. Border Patrol in 2019 after unlawfully entering from Mexico. Under Florida’s new immigration law, re-entering the state after being deported is classified as a third-degree felony, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses. Additionally, anyone caught attempting to enter Florida illegally now faces misdemeanor charges.
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey emphasized the significance of the new law, stating that prior to its enactment, local law enforcement lacked the necessary tools to take action against illegal re-entries.
“We’re seeing cases like this six to seven times a week,” Sheriff Ivey explained. “Before this law, even with our partnerships with Customs and Homeland Security, we didn’t have the authority to intervene.”
The statute includes a mandatory minimum sentence of one year and one day, ensuring that convicted individuals serve their time in prison rather than in local jails. Sheriff Ivey added that this provision helps manage the county jail’s population, which operates at approximately 82-84% capacity.
Governor DeSantis acknowledged the arrest in a post on his X account, commending law enforcement agencies for enforcing the new legislation.
“Great job enforcing our recently enacted legislation to fight illegal immigration,” DeSantis wrote.
With this first arrest under the new law, Florida officials signal a more aggressive stance on immigration enforcement at the state level.
