Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vowed on Wednesday to veto a sweeping immigration bill, marking the latest escalation in a legislative standoff between the governor and the state’s Republican leadership. The dispute centers on which proposals would best enforce former President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
What Is the Immigration Bill About?
The bill, championed by House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton, allocates $500 million to strengthen state and local coordination with federal law enforcement agencies. It also proposes harsher criminal penalties for undocumented immigrants who commit crimes in the United States.
Power Struggle Over Immigration Oversight
In a challenge to DeSantis—who has exercised executive power more aggressively than any recent Florida leader—the bill transfers immigration oversight from the governor to the state’s Agriculture Commissioner, Wilton Simpson. DeSantis condemned this provision, likening it to “putting the fox in charge of the henhouse.”
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DeSantis’ Response and Veto Threat
The morning after the bill passed, DeSantis pledged to veto the legislation, calling it “weak” and “watered down.”
“We must have the strongest immigration law in the nation. We cannot be weak,” DeSantis wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “The veto pen is ready.”
Can the Republican Legislature Override the Veto?
Now, the question remains whether Florida’s Republican-dominated legislature can muster enough support to override DeSantis’ veto, as some GOP members had voted against the measure.
Democratic Pushback and Tuition Debate
During heated debates, Democrats challenged a provision that would strip Florida students of in-state tuition if they are undocumented immigrants. Some lawmakers indicated they would support the broader bill if the tuition issue was modified.
“If that bitter pill weren’t in there,” said Democratic Senator Shevrin Jones, “I’m almost certain it would have received unanimous support.”
Trump’s Influence on the Bill
Following a public pressure campaign by DeSantis via cable news and social media, Republican leaders amended the bill, renaming it the TRUMP Act, to align with Donald Trump’s immigration agenda. However, they resisted adding some of DeSantis’ priorities, such as presuming undocumented immigrants to be flight risks.
