Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday urged Republican state lawmakers to act swiftly on illegal immigration, vowing to fight vigorously and cautioning against facing consequences for defiance.
Prior to a special session next week, the governor called on the Florida legislature to pass new laws to combat illegal immigration in alignment with President Donald Trump’s administration at the federal level. However, GOP leaders have deemed the session “premature” and indicated they may adjourn without addressing the governor’s proposed agenda items.
DeSantis cautioned that such a decision would be politically risky. “It would be very, very hazardous politically,” he emphasized during a roundtable discussion at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. He also hinted at potentially calling for another special session if action is delayed by GOP leaders.
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DeSantis holds a news conference with emergency officials as a hurricane battered his state on Oct. 9, 2024. (AP)
“I have my constitutional authority to wield in this process and I will continue to wield it as appropriate so that we’re able to get the job done,” he said, emphasizing that he would fight vigorously to see his immigration policies enacted.
“You don’t let go.”
DeSantis is advocating for Republicans to pass laws that would mandate state and local officials to adhere to the new immigration directives from the White House and provide funding for enforcement. Additionally, he has called for legislation to penalize officials who defy Florida’s “anti-sanctuary policies,” according to WPTV.
The governor also urged lawmakers to explore additional hurricane aid, address ballot initiative signature fraud, and tackle rising HOA fees.
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People are seen boarding a U.S. military aircraft. The White House announced Friday that “deportation flights have begun” in the U.S. (White House)
House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton responded cautiously to the governor’s call for a special legislative session starting on Jan. 27. In a joint statement on Jan. 13, they criticized DeSantis, stating that the governor had only offered “fragmented ideas” without bill language or details for consideration.
Lawmakers will determine the timing and content of legislation, the Florida House and Senate leaders emphasized.
Meanwhile, Trump has initiated various executive orders for “mass deportations” of illegal immigrants and declared a border emergency, deploying soldiers and ending certain immigrant processing programs.
DeSantis remains steadfast in his push for immediate action, opposed to any delay. “We’ve been waiting years for this moment. It’s not premature,” he asserted. “We need something immediately and we need to get everything moving, and we need to do what we told the people that elected us that we would do.”
Fox News Digital’s Adam Shaw contributed to this report.
