A special legislative session called by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to take up a series of proposals to help implement the president Donald TrumpThe immigration campaign begins on Monday.
However, with the pushback from top Republican lawmakers calling the session “premature,” it is unclear whether any measures will be considered.
DeSantis wants Lawmakers to pass bills that would support the president's immigration and border executive orders, signed since last Monday's inauguration, and Trump's plans for mass deportations of illegal immigrants.
“Thank you, Ron” – Trump extends DeSantis' immigration push in Florida
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, left, speaks as Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, right, listens before President-elect Donald Trump at a meeting with Republican governors at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in Palm Beach, Florida. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
The governor wants to mandate that Florida counties The cities participate in the federal deportation program and want the authority to suspend officials who do not comply. He also proposes to make it a state crime to enter the nation illegally, and wants to make it clear that people show identity and immigration status before sending money home.
The Trump administration is moving quickly on immigration enforcement
“We have to make sure that we work hand-in-hand with the Trump administration,” DeSantis stressed last week in an interview on Fox News’ “Ingraham Angle.”
He added that the special legislative session would help “facilitate the task of the Trump administration.”
The Florida State Capitol Building, as seen in Tallahassee, Florida. (Mark Wallhasiser/Getty Images)
Eleven bills were introduced on the eve of the special session by Florida lawmakers. Among them were measures to create a state immigration czar and allow the governor to activate the National Guard and state's guardsmen Immigration enforcement.
Under the Florida Constitution, if the governor calls a special session, lawmakers are required to appear at the Capitol in Tallahassee. However, top Republicans in the House and Senate say that although they support Trump's immigration efforts, the special session is unnecessary with the legislative session regularly scheduled for early March.
“It's not too soon,” DeSantis told Fox News. “We've been waiting four years to create a partner in Washington, D.C., on this issue. We have a sense of urgency. We have to get the job done. No more dragging your feet.”
DeSantis, who mounted a bitter and unsuccessful primary challenge against Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, was erased by then-president-elect earlier this month.
“Thank you Ron, we hope other governors follow!” Trump wrote in a social media post after DeSantis announced the special session.
Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, center, speaks at a campaign stop in Hampton, New Hampshire, on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. (Paul Steinhauser/Fox News)
However, the pushback by GOP state lawmakers on calling the special session is a major turn of events for Desantis, who has long enjoyed enormous influence over the Florida Legislature, especially after his nearly 20-point reelection lead in 2022.
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After his unsuccessful 2024 bid for the White House, the lame-duck governor does not appear to have the same leverage over lawmakers he once enjoyed.
After returning to opposition to his plans, DeSantis warned that any lawmaker who stood in his way during the special session would pay a political price.
