Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has sharply criticized state lawmakers over their proposed immigration enforcement bill, calling it a “bait-and-switch” tactic that fails to deliver the strong policies needed to support the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
DeSantis expressed frustration with the Legislature’s approach, arguing that while the bill includes some of his long-standing proposals—such as ending tuition waivers for undocumented immigrant students—it ultimately falls short in key enforcement areas.
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“I am glad the Legislature’s bill includes many of my proposals,” DeSantis said in a statement. “But overall, their new bill is substantially weaker than the proposals I outlined and that are necessary to ensure Florida leads on fulfilling the Trump Administration’s mandate to enforce immigration law and deport illegal aliens.”
Among DeSantis’ primary concerns is the Legislature’s decision to delegate immigration enforcement responsibilities to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, a move he called “unconstitutional” and “ensuring enforcement never actually occurs.”
“By giving enforcement power to the agricultural arm of state government, it ensures that enforcement never actually occurs,” DeSantis said. “In short, it puts the fox in charge of the hen house.”
He further criticized the bill for not placing an “enforceable duty” on state and local law enforcement to fully cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Without such mandates, DeSantis warned, “Florida localities will provide no meaningful assistance to federal efforts.”
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One of the most contentious points raised by the governor was the absence of provisions making it a crime for undocumented immigrants to register to vote. DeSantis argued that legislative leaders were “giving illegals a pass” and questioned why Republican lawmakers would allow such a loophole.
“Our anti-illegal alien proposal calls for making it a crime for illegal aliens to register to vote,” he said. “The bill put forward by legislative leadership gives illegals a pass on this—no criminal offense if illegals register to vote. Why on earth would Republican leaders allow illegals to register to vote?”
DeSantis underscored the significance of the immigration issue, calling it a “unique moment in American history” and stressing the need to reclaim national sovereignty. He urged the Legislature to strengthen the proposed bill, stating that Florida has an opportunity to lead the nation in supporting Trump’s immigration policies.
“We need strong immigration legislation that ensures Florida is doing everything it can to assist this important federal mission,” DeSantis emphasized. “The Legislature’s bill is a bait-and-switch tactic trying to create the illusion of an illegal immigration crackdown, when it does anything but.”
The governor’s strong rebuke comes amid growing tensions between his administration and legislative leaders, who previously dismissed his call for a special session on immigration enforcement as “premature.” The Legislature eventually convened to address immigration reforms, but the clash over the scope and strength of the measures continues to deepen divisions within the state’s Republican leadership.
Despite the ongoing friction, DeSantis vowed to continue advocating for tougher policies and greater cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts, insisting that Florida must “uphold the law and protect our citizens.”
The Legislature is expected to debate the proposed immigration bill in the coming days, but whether they will address DeSantis’ concerns remains uncertain.
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