A deal on an immigration law has reportedly now been reached between the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis. There are also some significant modifications, even though a lot of things remain the same.
The legislature is attempting to compromise with DeSantis for the second time. Both claim that their immigration plans are fulfilling President Donald Trump’s pledges to “mass deport” millions of immigrants, among other things, but their goals differed significantly.
Specifically, who would serve as the point of contact for immigration matters between the federal government and the state government?
DeSantis criticized the legislature on social media, calling the bill “weak, weak, weak.” However, the two branches have now called a third special session in as many months to pass what lawmakers are calling strong policies to support the president’s efforts to effectively and efficiently combat illegal immigration.
Giving the statewide-elected agriculture commissioner the authority to serve as the state’s chief immigration officer was one of DeSantis’s main grievances with the TRUMP Act passed by the legislature.
In addition to removing authority from the governor’s office, DeSantis said that this was putting the fox guarding the henhouse and creating a conflict of interest because of the agriculture sector’s alleged preference for low-cost, illegal foreign labor.
In addition to the agricultural commissioner, the governor, attorney general, and top financial officer now serve as decision-making partners on the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, which is established under the new bill (SB 2C/HB 1C). Every choice needs unanimous approval.
One section of the TRUMP Act was completely removed and turned into a different measure.
Under the bill (SB 4C/HB 3C), if an illegal immigrant is found guilty of a capital felony, such as murder or child rape, they will be required to be executed.
However, it also establishes offenses at the state level for reentering or entering Florida illegally. The bill analysis states that a conviction for this offense carries a mandatory minimum penalty of nine months in prison.
[READ MORE: Trump’s DHS Moves to Deputize IRS Agents to Help With Deportations]
