Republican Governor Ron DeSantis issued a stern warning to Florida lawmakers on Thursday, cautioning them against opposing his legislative agenda on illegal immigration as the state’s special session approaches next week. “It would be very, very hazardous politically,” DeSantis said, according to Politico, emphasizing the potential consequences for legislators who fail to act swiftly on his priorities.
The Florida governor has called for an expedited push to advance his hardline immigration policies, aligning with the broader MAGA agenda championed by former President Donald Trump, who has returned to the White House. DeSantis has made it clear that he expects immediate action on his proposals during the upcoming session.
However, uncertainty looms over whether the GOP-controlled Legislature will follow through. Politico reported that, despite DeSantis’ directive for lawmakers to convene in Tallahassee, there are no concrete signs that legislative action will take place during the five-day session.
Among DeSantis’ proposed measures are stricter enforcement of immigration laws, including requiring “maximum participation” by local law enforcement in deportation efforts and imposing penalties on officials who refuse to comply.
“He also wants to establish criminal penalties for ‘illegal entry’ in the state; appoint a state immigration enforcement officer to coordinate with federal authorities and expand a migrant transport program that DeSantis used to transport migrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard,” Politico noted.
DeSantis is also seeking approval to send migrants from Florida to other countries instead of other states. Additionally, he has called for the repeal of a law that grants in-state tuition rates to the children of undocumented immigrants.
Florida’s role as both Trump’s official residence and the location of his Mar-a-Lago resort underscores the political significance of the state in national immigration debates. The special session represents a critical test of DeSantis’ ability to rally support for his legislative agenda within a Legislature dominated by his own party.
“The governor ordered lawmakers back to town, but so far there are no signs that the GOP-controlled Legislature will actually take any action during the five-day session,” Politico highlighted, signaling potential resistance or hesitation among lawmakers.
As the session nears, all eyes will be on Tallahassee to see if DeSantis’ ambitious agenda will gain the traction he seeks—or if his warning of political consequences will prove necessary.