
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vows to veto the controversial TRUMP Act, igniting a fierce battle with fellow Republicans over immigration policy.
Key Takeaways
- Governor DeSantis promises to veto the TRUMP Act, calling it “weak” on immigration enforcement.
- The Act, despite its name, is criticized for undermining Trump’s immigration policies.
- DeSantis accuses some Florida Republicans of being “RINOs” and betraying conservative principles.
- The bill would allocate over $500 million for local immigration enforcement but faces opposition from DeSantis.
- The situation marks a power struggle between DeSantis and new Republican legislative leaders.
DeSantis Takes Stand Against “Weak” Immigration Bill
In a surprising turn of events, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has promised to veto the Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy (TRUMP) Act, despite its namesake. The governor argues that the bill, passed by the state legislature, falls short of providing the robust immigration enforcement Florida needs. DeSantis’s stance has ignited a fierce debate within the Republican Party, exposing deep rifts over immigration policy.
DeSantis minced no words in his criticism of the bill and its supporters. “The reality is we are not going to accept weak policies,” he declared, emphasizing the need for stronger measures to combat illegal immigration. The governor’s veto threat has set the stage for a showdown with state lawmakers, many of whom he now labels as “RINOs” (Republicans In Name Only).
Attention, my fellow Floridians! I’m calling out the RINOs leading a deceitful switch-and-bait effort trying to make FL soft on illegal immigration:@WiltonSimpson@JoeGruters@RAlexAndradeFL@FLSenateGOP@Daniel_PerezFL@VoteRandyFine@RepMcClure@Sen_Albritton @JuanPorrasFL…
— Reese🇺🇸🐊 (@reeseonable) January 29, 2025
The TRUMP Act: A Contentious Piece of Legislation
The TRUMP Act, despite its name, has become a focal point of controversy. Critics, including DeSantis, argue that it undermines rather than supports former President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda. The bill would allocate over $500 million for local immigration enforcement, increase penalties for unauthorized immigrants, and create a new state office for enforcement coordination.
“They’re playing this game where they think if they put Trump’s name on a weak bill that somehow people will think it’s going to be good, and it’s totally inadequate,” DeSantis said in an interview on “The Glenn Beck Program.”
One of the most contentious aspects of the bill is the provision that would allow non-citizens to register to vote in Florida without signing an affidavit. DeSantis claims this violates the state constitution and opens the door to potential voter fraud. Additionally, the governor argues that the bill weakens measures to detain and deport illegal immigrants charged with crimes.
Power Struggle in Tallahassee
The clash over the TRUMP Act has exposed a growing rift between DeSantis and new Republican legislative leaders. House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton are challenging the governor’s authority as he approaches the end of his term. This power struggle is playing out against the backdrop of national debates on immigration policy and the future direction of the Republican Party.
“What I think people are sick of is the treachery,” DeSantis stated, criticizing what he sees as a betrayal of conservative principles by some members of his own party.
The governor has vowed to ask lawmakers to reconsider the bill after allowing for public protest. He claims there is significant opposition from constituents, with a reported 99 to 1 ratio against the legislature’s actions. This grassroots pushback may prove crucial in determining the ultimate fate of the TRUMP Act.
A similar bill will be brought in Tennessee this legislative session.
Will the TN RINOs let it out of committee??? https://t.co/sy8gYFZDit
— Tennessee Conservative News (@TnCoNews1) January 15, 2025
Looking Ahead: The Future of Florida’s Immigration Policy
As the debate rages on, the future of Florida’s immigration policy remains uncertain. DeSantis has proposed treating illegal immigrants as flight risks and repealing in-state tuition for dreamers, signaling a hardline approach. “I don’t want to house the illegals, I want to deport the illegals,” the governor stated emphatically.
With the legislature potentially lacking the votes to override a veto, particularly in the Senate, the TRUMP Act’s fate hangs in the balance. The outcome of this political battle will likely have far-reaching implications for Florida’s approach to immigration enforcement and could influence the national conversation on border security and immigration reform.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on Tallahassee, where the clash between Governor DeSantis and state lawmakers promises to reshape Florida’s immigration landscape for years to come.
Sources:
- DeSantis Says He Will Veto Immigration Bill in Clash With Lawmakers
- Florida Gov. DeSantis promises to veto TRUMP Act