Florida Legislature Strips DeSantis Of Illegal Immigration Enforcement Powers

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Governor Ron DeSantis proposed a special legislative session to address immigration enforcement, focusing on stricter measures against illegal immigration. 

The Republican-led Florida Legislature responded by ending DeSantis' session abruptly and calling their own session, passing a bill named the 'TRUMP Act.' This bill, however, strips enforcement powers from the Governor's office, transferring them to the Commissioner of Agriculture, and notably does not criminalize illegal immigrants registering to vote, which was a key point of contention. 

"Our anti-illegal alien proposal calls for making it a crime for illegal aliens to register to vote. The bill put forward by legislative leadership gives illegals a pass on this — no criminal offense if illegals register to vote," DeSantis posted on X.

"Why on earth would Republican leaders allow illegals to register to vote?"

In a video later posted on X, DeSantis accused the Legislature of bending to interests that want to keep cheap labor in Florida and that giving the Commissioner of Agriculture the enforcement powers was "the fox guarding the hen house."

We need to get the job done regarding illegal immigration. We don’t have time for posturing. My thoughts on today’s antics by the Florida Legislature. pic.twitter.com/o0jb7fbZrW

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 27, 2025