Republican leaders are not playing anymore games.
On Thursday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis urged Republican lawmakers to take immediate action on illegal immigration, emphasizing the need for swift legislative changes to align with the Trump administration’s immigration agenda. Speaking ahead of a special session scheduled for next week, DeSantis made it clear that he expected the legislature to act decisively or face political consequences. He framed the issue as urgent, stating that delaying action would be a grave mistake.
The Governor’s push comes as Florida’s Republican leaders, including House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton, have expressed concerns about rushing into legislation before President Trump finalizes his own plans for addressing illegal immigration. They have labeled the proposed special session as “premature” and criticized DeSantis for not providing a detailed bill for lawmakers to review. Despite their reservations, DeSantis stood firm, warning that failure to act could harm the party’s standing with voters.
“I’ll fight like a junkyard dog,” DeSantis declared, signaling his determination to ensure Florida takes aggressive action on immigration. He reminded lawmakers that they have a responsibility to deliver on the promises made to voters, especially as the state faces an increasing number of illegal immigrants. The governor wants to enact laws that would require state and local authorities to enforce federal immigration policies and penalize officials who fail to comply with Florida’s strict anti-sanctuary laws.
Additionally, DeSantis is calling for increased funding to support these efforts, as well as new measures to combat fraud in the ballot initiative process and address rising homeowner association fees.
Despite the pushback from legislative leaders, DeSantis remains resolute, stressing that Florida cannot afford to wait for Washington to act. “We’ve been waiting years for this moment,” he said, underscoring the urgency of taking immediate steps to safeguard the state’s sovereignty and protect American citizens from the consequences of illegal immigration.
With President Trump’s recent actions to bolster border security, including a mass deportation operation and the resumption of border wall construction, DeSantis sees an opportunity to act in coordination with federal efforts to secure the southern border. DeSantis remains convinced that Florida has a critical role to play in the broader fight against illegal immigration, and he is determined to lead the charge.
For Republicans in Florida, the stakes are high. DeSantis is calling on his party to stand firm, deliver on their promises to voters, and not let this moment slip by. With Trump’s bold immigration moves resonating with conservatives across the nation, DeSantis’ message is clear: it’s time to take action now.