TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has announced his intention to veto a comprehensive immigration bill, heightening tensions between him and Republican legislative leaders over how best to support the federal government’s immigration policies.
The proposed legislation outlines a budget of $500 million aimed at strengthening collaboration between state and local authorities with federal enforcement agencies. It also seeks to impose greater penalties on undocumented immigrants involved in criminal activities within the United States.
In a move perceived as undermining the governor’s authority, the bill transfers control over immigration matters to the state’s agriculture commissioner, an action DeSantis has criticized harshly, likening it to placing a predator in charge of a vulnerable group—”the fox in charge of the hen house.” He has been vocal about his opposition through various media platforms, escalating his criticism of the bill and its advocates.
Responding to the bill’s approval, DeSantis denounced it as “watered-down” and declared his intent to veto it as soon as it reaches his desk. He urged for the strongest immigration laws nationwide, asserting, “We cannot be weak,” and expressed readiness to use his veto power.
During two separate roundtable discussions, DeSantis argued that the legislation would transform Florida into a “de facto sanctuary state.” He also accused Republican leaders of collaborating with Democrats on immigration issues and suggested that conservative constituents should hold their elected representatives accountable if they support the bill.
“How could I possibly sign something that is contrary to everything I’ve campaigned on?” DeSantis questioned reporters in Ft. Myers.
There is growing uncertainty about whether the Republican-led legislature can gather sufficient votes to override the anticipated veto, especially since some GOP members initially opposed the legislation. Representative John Temple expressed regret over his previous supportive vote and indicated he would not rally with his colleagues should the veto occur.
To successfully override the veto, Republicans may have to entice a few Senate Democrats, which could put further pressure on GOP members from more conservative factions.
The bill faced intense debate, during which Democratic lawmakers challenged its sponsors about a clause that would eliminate in-state tuition for undocumented students. Some Democrats indicated they would support the bill if this provision was amended, noting that the law currently benefits around 6,500 Florida students for the fiscal year.
“If the bad pill wasn’t in here,” said Democratic Senator Shevrin Jones, “I’m almost sure that you would have gotten a unanimous vote.”
The immigration proposal largely passed along party lines in both the House and Senate, although a handful of Republican members opposed it, including some close to the governor.
Despite DeSantis’s ongoing critiques of the bill since its introduction by House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton, legislative leaders maintained that they amended the bill, known as the TRUMP Act, in collaboration with the Trump administration. They also rejected several of the governor’s proposed additions, such as classifying undocumented immigrants as likely flight risks.
The comprehensive document spans over 80 pages and aims to allocate significant resources for hiring additional officers, equipping local agencies, and compensating counties for providing detention space to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
DeSantis has objected to the bill ever since its announcement, especially given that the legislative leaders began their session without his approval. On Monday, both Albritton and Perez reiterated a commitment to tackling immigration challenges but rejected the governor’s suggestion to impose criminal charges on local law enforcement officers who disregard state and federal immigration regulations.
Following the bill’s passage, Perez urged his colleagues not to be swayed by the governor’s criticisms, describing intimidating tactics as immature rather than exhibiting true leadership.
Democrats have voiced concerns regarding the expedited nature of the legislative process and have characterized certain elements of the bill as harsh. They proposed measures to safeguard educational institutions and places of worship from potential government raids, stemming from the bill’s requirement for government employees to comply rigorously with federal immigration enforcement efforts.
