Angel Moms weigh in on Trump and DeSantis’ immigration policies.

Angel Moms,⁣ mothers who have ⁣lost children to illegal immigrant crime, are closely examining the⁣ immigration policies of the two leading contenders for the GOP ‍presidential nomination: former President Donald Trump ​and Florida ‍Gov. ​Ron DeSantis.

“I am taking my time but there ⁢really isn’t anyone else that appeals to me besides Trump and⁣ DeSantis because of our ‌issues as victim families,” Mary Ann Mendoza, the founder of Angel Moms and Angel Families, told The Epoch Times.

President Trump and​ Mr. ⁢DeSantis‍ share ‌some common ground on ‌the issues. ⁢Both are committed to completing the wall, ending birthright citizenship, and​ eliminating ​“catch and​ release,” the practice‍ of releasing illegal immigrants into the United States while⁤ they await their ‌court dates.

Angel Moms on DeSantis

Mr. DeSantis has actively engaged with Angel Moms⁤ across the country, as he⁤ mentioned in the recent ‍GOP primary debate, ‌and his efforts​ have ‌evidently paid off.

“As an Angel mom, we‍ live every day not just with the pain of ⁤losing our child as a⁤ direct result of our nation’s failure to ‌secure our​ borders, but knowing every day⁢ [that] Angel Families are growing,”​ Angel Mom and Florida state Rep.⁤ Kiyan Michael (R-Jacksonville) told⁢ The Epoch Times. ⁣“Governor DeSantis and now presidential ​candidate‌ DeSantis has already​ done what the other candidates can ⁢only say ⁢they⁣ will do. DeSantis has already passed and signed into law the most comprehensive immigration plan in the nation and HB1617/SB1718 has ⁣already proven its effectiveness⁤ within⁤ the state of Florida.”

Florida House⁤ Bill ⁢1617/Senate Bill ⁣1718 makes using E-Verify mandatory for ‌any employer ‍with 25 or more employees, imposes enforceable penalties for those employing illegal aliens, and enhances penalties for human ⁢smuggling. The bill also prohibits local governments from issuing Identification Cards (ID) ⁣to illegal⁢ aliens, invalidates ID cards issued to illegal aliens in other states,⁤ and requires hospitals to collect and submit data on the costs of providing health care ​to illegal aliens.

“Angel parents want the preventable devastation‌ to American families to end and ‍we know ‍as DeSantis ‍has stated ⁤unless the cartel‍ is​ dealt a fatal blow, building a wall⁤ won’t be enough to secure our borders and⁢ protect Americans,” she said.

Michael’s son Brandon was killed in ⁤2007 when he was struck by an illegal immigrant ​driving without⁤ a license who had been deported twice. The driver was​ sentenced to two years in prison, ordered ⁤to pay restitution, and deported again afterward.

The Florida state representative’s endorsement of⁢ Mr. DeSantis and her⁤ experience of loss due to‍ illegal immigrant ‍crime is ⁣shared⁣ by Ms. Mendoza.

“Governor DeSantis has put a very strong E-Verified ⁤law forward, anybody ⁣caught in Florida transporting illegals it’s a crime, any states that give illegals a driver license if they‌ come to Florida ‍and drive in Florida ⁣and they’re pulled over that ​driver’s license will not be recognized in Florida because ⁤they’re in the country illegally.”

Ms.⁣ Mendoza’s son, ​Sgt. Brandon Mendoza of ⁤the Mesa, Arizona Police Department, was killed⁢ on May 12, 2014, in a violent head-on collision⁢ on his⁢ way home‍ from work ​by⁤ a repeat illegal immigrant who had driven over 35 miles the wrong way⁢ on ⁣four different freeways before slamming⁤ head-on into her son’s ⁣vehicle.

“Angel families⁢ have been marginalized for the⁢ crimes committed against us and illegal criminals really have the upper hand ‍in⁤ many states,” she said.

DeSantis has unveiled an ambitious immigration​ plan⁤ for 2025 should he become president, ⁢which includes ending birthright ‌citizenship, completing the border wall, and deploying U.S. forces into Mexico to combat drug cartels.

Angel ‌Moms on Trump

Although Ms. Mendoza ​currently​ supports ⁤Mr. DeSantis, she was previously ‍a Trump ⁢supporter and stood by him during both of his presidential campaigns and when‌ he was⁢ in or vying⁣ for the ⁣White House.

“I was at the White House many times, he invited me for a ⁣round table with law enforcement and congressional members when‌ they‍ were talking about anti-sanctuary city legislation,” ‍she said. “I was there when he signed his first veto … ⁢I would get a ⁢phone call and ‍my life would stop and I would do anything for⁤ that man, he was my president.”

Ms. Mendoza‍ even‍ missed her oldest granddaughter’s high school ​graduation ‌because she received a ⁤call from President Trump requesting her presence at the White House for a meeting.

She credits President Trump ⁢with making significant strides in curbing ⁣illegal immigration.

President Trump, on the other hand,⁤ has criticized Mr. DeSantis for⁣ “copying” his ⁢immigration platform.

“Well, his plan⁢ is my plan,” Trump told ​Semafor ⁢in June. “I mean, he’s ‌basically⁣ copied ⁤everything I said—catch and release, finish the wall.”

The former president also claimed that he had‌ already used “deadly force” against illegal ‍immigrants⁣ suspected of drug trafficking, while Mr.⁣ DeSantis has only discussed it, and that he⁣ would “do it ​again.”

Mr. DeSantis’s ‍border plan mirrors several ​of President Trump’s policies implemented during his time in the White House. The Florida governor aims to reinstate President Trump’s “Remain‌ in Mexico” policy and⁤ renew a ‌national ⁢emergency declaration ⁤that President Trump put into effect to ⁣release federal‌ funds for completing ⁣the border ⁣wall.

“Under my leadership, we had the most secure border in U.S. history so far. We replaced catch-and-release with detain-and-deport. One of my most successful policies ⁣was ‍Title 42, which allowed for instant expulsion of any ⁢illegal