The Florida legislature has enacted an extensive immigration bill that allocates $500 million in public funds to support federal enforcement efforts against undocumented immigrants. This action comes at a time when approximately 20% of Florida’s population is made up of immigrants, indicating the significance of these measures within the state. The legislation mandates that all branches of state government, along with government contractors, must assist federal immigration enforcement “to the fullest extent possible.”
After over four hours of discussions, the predominantly Republican Florida legislature passed the bill largely along party lines, setting the stage for a potential conflict between Governor Ron DeSantis and legislative leaders who have clashed over differing immigration strategies. While DeSantis has criticized the bill as “weak,” Republican Senator Joe Gruters, a key sponsor and supporter of Trump, emphasized the bill’s intention to facilitate the President’s immigration agenda, aiming for tighter coordination between local and federal officials.
The bill, named the Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy Act (TRUMP Act), was advanced in a special legislative session, which typically limits public engagement. This initiative followed the dismissal of immigration proposals put forth by DeSantis, signaling pushback from the legislature against the governor who had previously been seen as a possible successor to Trump. Although six senators and one representative from the Republican party opposed the legislation, it was not enough to secure a veto-proof majority.
Senator Blaise Ingoglia expressed reservations, acknowledging the intent behind the legislation but deeming it insufficiently robust for effective enforcement. Before the debate commenced, legislative leaders announced additional provisions to strengthen aspects of the bill after consulting with the Trump Administration. These included harsher penalties for crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, including a mandatory death penalty for capital offenses. Nevertheless, the sponsors rejected some of DeSantis’s proposals, such as restrictions on remittances by undocumented individuals and a legal presumption regarding flight risks.
Now, Governor DeSantis faces the decision of whether to endorse a bill he has publicly described as lacking substance or to exercise his veto power. Alternatively, he could allow the bill to become law without signing it. The approved legislation will establish a new state immigration enforcement office with over 140 employees led by a newly appointed chief immigration officer, who will be the state’s agriculture commissioner. This bill also transfers certain emergency immigration enforcement powers from the governor to this officer.
Financial provisions in the bill allocate $100 million in grants to local law enforcement for training and resources as well as $375 million aimed at enhancing cooperation with federal immigration efforts. Additionally, it sets aside $25 million in bonuses for local officers who work alongside federal authorities.
Democratic representatives raised concerns regarding the language compelling government workers to fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, questioning its implications for roles like school resource officers and social workers. Gruters defended the bill’s intent, asserting that it primarily targets cooperation with local officials managing jails rather than affecting routine community policing.
One significant change included in the bill is the repeal of a long-standing state law allowing undocumented students to access in-state tuition at public colleges, affecting about 6,500 students. This shift highlights the evolving stance on immigration within the state, particularly in contrast to earlier policies supported by Republican leadership. As Democratic Senator Darryl Rouson lamented, the deterioration of this provision reflects an overarching shift in attitudes towards immigrants.
Representative Jose Alvarez, who immigrated from Cuba, voiced strong disapproval of the legislation, denouncing it as contrary to the principles upon which the U.S. was founded. Furthermore, the decision to appoint the state agriculture commissioner as the chief immigration officer drew criticism from DeSantis, who remarked on the unlikely relationship between agriculture and immigration enforcement. In a response to the factional dynamic within the party, Speaker Perez highlighted the need for collaboration rather than divisive tactics among Republicans.
Florida’s actions echo a broader trend as states from both political parties navigate the implications of Trump’s immigration policies, similar to initiatives seen in Tennessee, which commenced a special legislative session to tackle similar issues.
