DeSantis warns: Florida may soon require proof of citizenship to buy a lottery ticket or even a beer

It’s no exaggeration: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a troubling warning. In the near future, residents may be required to prove their citizenship or legal status to purchase items like lottery tickets or alcoholic beverages.

He hinted at this on Thursday during a conference in southwest Broward County. He didn't say it directly, but his words were clear: "Stay tuned."

The statement came as he unveiled new collaborative measures between state agencies and federal immigration authorities. Although he didn't confirm a specific policy, the direction is clear. Under his leadership, Florida is expanding immigration enforcement and opening the door to previously unavailable controls in civil, commercial, and recreational settings.

More surveillance, in more places

DeSantis's announcement falls under the federal 287(g) program, which allows state and local police to collaborate directly with ICE in the identification and detention of immigrants without legal status. But now the scope goes beyond law enforcement.

The governor explained that entities such as the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Gaming Control Commission, and the Florida Lottery will also be integrated into the plan.

In his words, these agencies "operate in target-rich environments" and could be "deputized" to act alongside ICE and the Department of Homeland Security during routine inspections and operations.

In other words, the state government is seeking to extend immigration verification to everyday spaces, which until now have not been part of the immigration control system. This includes businesses, supermarkets, casinos, and lottery offices.

Will you have to prove citizenship to play the lottery?

When asked directly whether consumers will need to provide proof of citizenship to purchase a lottery ticket or a beer, DeSantis declined to confirm, but he didn't rule it out either. "I think it remains to be seen exactly how that's going to be done," he replied. "Just stay tuned and see how it plays out."

Currently, no state in the United States requires proof of immigration status to purchase products like these. And in Florida, lottery prizes can be claimed by anyone with valid government identification. However, the governor's statements anticipate a change that, if implemented, would affect millions.

In practice, the restrictions could function as a disguised ban on undocumented immigrants. Claiming significant prizes already requires presenting documents such as a passport, driver's license, or social security number. But until now, no entity has validated whether this document corresponds to legal residency in the country.

DeSantis isn't just opening that door: he's making it clear that he wants those regulatory agencies to become instruments of oversight as well.

From the lottery to immigration control

The new statements follow an event organized by federal authorities that celebrated the arrest of more than 1.100 individuals classified as "criminal aliens." According to the Department of Homeland Security, at least 378 already had final deportation orders.

In this context, DeSantis's political signal is clear: his administration will intensify immigration status enforcement across the board. This shift is no coincidence. At a time of national political tension, the governor continues to toughen his hardline rhetoric, aligned with the approach of President Donald Trump, who has already promised even harsher measures.

What's coming: a police state for migrants

Although there is no formal decree yet banning undocumented immigrants from purchasing lottery tickets or beer, the governor's comments have raised alarm bells. For many, this is a test run for the type of measures that could be implemented soon.

Florida has pioneered restrictive policies against immigrants in recent years: fines for employers, status checks at hospitals, and penalties for those transporting undocumented immigrants. Now, the simple act of buying a lottery ticket could also become a trap.

Those without papers fear that these regulated spaces will become points of contact with agents who collaborate directly with ICE. A simple purchase, a minor transaction, a routine visit… could be enough to expose them to deportation proceedings.

And with the phrase “stay tuned,” DeSantis made it clear that what’s coming could be even more extreme.