A political showdown is brewing in Florida as Governor Ron DeSantis finds himself at odds with the Republican-controlled legislature over a controversial bill aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration. The governor has vowed to veto the legislation, calling it “weak” and accusing it of undermining the state’s ability to enforce immigration laws effectively.
The dispute centers on a bill that would shift immigration enforcement authority from the governor’s office and state agencies to the Commissioner of Agriculture. DeSantis argues that the bill would cripple Florida’s efforts to combat illegal immigration and effectively turn the state into a “de facto sanctuary state.”
“This bill masquerades as an enforcement bill, but it makes Florida weaker,” DeSantis said in an interview. “It takes away all the powers of the governor and state agencies currently fighting illegal immigration and transfers it to the Commissioner of Agriculture. It also bars any involvement with ICE unless you get permission from the Commissioner. This is not what the people of Florida want.”
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The governor’s strong stance on illegal immigration is well-documented. In 2022, DeSantis made national headlines by sending planes of illegal immigrants from Florida to Martha’s Vineyard, a move that sparked widespread debate but solidified his reputation as a hardliner on immigration. He has consistently aligned himself with former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, including supporting the largest deportation program in U.S. history.
DeSantis called for a special legislative session to address illegal immigration, urging lawmakers to pass measures that would empower local and state governments to work with federal authorities like ICE. However, the legislature’s response fell short of his expectations. The proposed bill, which DeSantis plans to veto, has drawn sharp criticism from grassroots conservatives who see it as a betrayal of the state’s tough-on-immigration stance.
“I’ve never seen a more negative reaction from our grassroots base to anything the Florida legislature has done,” DeSantis said. “The people want this problem solved, and our proposals would do that. Their proposals will make the problem worse.”
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The rift between DeSantis and the legislature has raised questions about whether personal animosities are influencing policy decisions. Some speculate that the conflict stems from DeSantis’ previous veto of a $300 million water bill championed by Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, who reportedly tried to contact the governor but received no response.
When asked if the dispute was personal, DeSantis dismissed the notion, emphasizing that elected officials should prioritize the interests of their constituents over personal agendas. “It’s not about me or the legislature. It’s about the people of Florida,” he said. “If you want to be weak on this issue and run that way, I don’t think you’ll get elected.”
The governor’s willingness to take on powerful entities extends beyond immigration. He famously clashed with Disney after the company publicly opposed his Parental Rights in Education Act, dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by critics. DeSantis revoked Disney’s autonomous status in Florida, a move that many thought would be politically risky but ultimately bolstered his standing among conservative voters.
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As the immigration bill heads to his desk, DeSantis remains steadfast in his commitment to veto it, even as the legislature holds a supermajority capable of overriding his decision. The governor expressed hope that lawmakers would reconsider their approach and work with him to pass stronger legislation.
“This is a family fight, but it’s one we need to resolve for the people of Florida,” DeSantis said. “We have a responsibility to deliver on the promises we made to voters, and I intend to do just that.”
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