DeSantis signals he will veto immigration bill passed by Florida GOP lawmakers

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said Wednesday he plans to veto a Republican-sponsored immigration bill that was passed by the Florida Legislature this week, marking the latest salvo in his feud with state GOP lawmakers.

"The veto pen is ready," DeSantis said in a post on social platform X following the legislation's passage Tuesday evening.

"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," the governor wrote.

DeSantis's veto threat comes amid a war of words between DeSantis and state House Speaker Daniel Perez (R) and state Senate President Ben Albritton (R). In a stunning move Monday, Perez and Albritton gaveled out a special session proposed by DeSantis to implement President Trump's immigration agenda.

Instead, the state Legislature leaders introduced the Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy Act, also known as the TRUMP Act. The legislation notably calls to make the state’s Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson the chief immigration officer. DeSantis has called the legislation watered down.

Like DeSantis’s proposals, the legislation would increase penalties for noncitizens who vote and those who aid noncitizens in voting. Additionally, it would up penalties for individuals who commit a crime while in the U.S. illegally and strips in-state tuition for students at public universities who came into the country illegally.

And while the bill also creates a chief of immigration, the most glaring difference is that it establishes Simpson as the chief immigration officer. Simpson, who has been floated as a potential 2026 gubernatorial pick, is not a DeSantis ally.

The events mark a potential new era for DeSantis, who has enjoyed loyalty from Republicans in the red state, as he seeks to curry favor with Trump. Both sides of the debate have lobbied with Trump over the issue.

Topics

DeSantis Says He Will Veto Immigration Bill in Clash With Lawmakers

The veto pledge capped a dramatic few days in which Republican legislators publicly criticized Gov. Ron DeSantis and portrayed themselves as truer allies of President Trump.
The New York Times - 16h
Despite Trump's involvement, Ron DeSantis expected to veto a Florida immigration bill

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been locked in a contentious fight with the Republican-dominated state Legislature, which tried to strip away some immigration authority.
NBC News - 21h
Florida lawmakers pass sweeping immigration bill to help with Trump crackdown

Florida lawmakers have passed a sweeping immigration bill, setting aside half a billion dollars in public funds to help carry out President Donald Trump’s crackdown on people in the country illegally
ABC News - 1d
Republican Lawmakers in Florida Rebel Against DeSantis in Rare Power Move

In a special session on Monday, leaders seemed to be declaring their independence from a governor who has wielded so much power that legislative sessions have become largely predictable rubber stamps.
The New York Times - 2d
Florida Republicans upend DeSantis' plans as state tries to align with Trump's immigration orders

President Donald Trump’s push to quickly overhaul the nation’s immigration system is at the center of a civil war between Ron DeSantis and Florida Republicans.
NBC News - 2d
Trump, Republican lawmakers in Florida for GOP conference with legislation likely in mind

Republicans control both chambers of Congress, giving President Trump a launchpad for his legislative goals. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang has more.
CBS News - 2d
DeSantis calls special legislative session in Florida to support Trump immigration agenda

A special legislative session is kicking off in Florida where Gov. Ron DeSantis wants lawmakers to take up several proposals that would help support the Trump administration's immigration ...
CBS News - 3d
House Passes Bill to Deport Immigrants Convicted of Violence Against Women

Scores of Democrats joined Republicans in approving the measure, even though existing law already allows immigrants with contested legal status who are convicted of sex crimes to be deported.
The New York Times - Jan. 16
Trump calls on GOP to pass his agenda in 'one powerful bill'

President-elect Trump on Sunday made public his support for Republican lawmakers to pass key components of his agenda into law with a single reconciliation bill, previewing what is expected to be a ...
The Hill - Jan. 6