On Wednesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) reportedly announced that he intends to exercise his veto power over an immigration bill that was supported by Republicans and passed by the Florida Legislature this week.
This is the latest salvo in his ongoing conflict with state Republicans who are in the legislature.
“The bill that narrowly passed the Florida legislature last night fails to honor our promises to voters, fails to meet the moment, and would actually weaken state immigration enforcement,” DeSantis wrote.
DeSantis’s threat to veto the bill comes in the midst of a verbal battle between him, the Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives Daniel Perez, and the Republican President of the Senate Ben Albritton.
On Monday, in a move that was nothing short of shocking, Perez and Albritton presented a special session that had been suggested by DeSantis in order to carry out President Trump’s immigration proposals.
The Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy Act, popularly referred to as the TRUMP Act, was something that the leaders of the state legislature decided to introduce instead.
Notably, the proposal proposes that Wilton Simpson, who is now serving as the Agriculture Commissioner of the state, be appointed as the chief immigration officer. It has been stated by DeSantis that the proposal is toned down.
The measure, which is similar to the suggestions made by DeSantis, would enhance the penalty for noncitizens who vote as well as those who assist noncitizens in voting.
It would further increase the penalties for individuals who commit a crime while they are in the United States unlawfully, and it would remove the ability of students attending public universities to receive in-state tuition if they entered the nation for illegal purposes.
Additionally, the bill positions Simpson as the chief immigration officer, which is the most notable distinction between it and other bills that also create a head of immigration.
Simpson, who has been the subject of speculation as a possible candidate for governor in 2026, is not a supporter of DeSantis.
As DeSantis looks to court favor with Trump, the events represent the beginning of a potentially new era for him. DeSantis has enjoyed the allegiance of Republicans in the red state due to his efforts.
Both sides of the discussion have attempted to influence Trump’s decision over the matter.
[READ MORE: DeSantis Shreds Florida Legislature for Attempting to Sabotage Trump’s Agenda]
