DeSantis Vows to Veto Florida GOP’s Immigration Bill Over Enforcement Concerns

The Florida governor criticizes the Legislature's immigration bill for weakening state enforcement powers and transferring key authority to the agriculture commissioner.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has pledged to veto the Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy Act, passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature on Tuesday night.
DeSantis argues the bill undermines state immigration enforcement by shifting authority from the governor’s office to Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, a move he described as unconstitutional and ineffective.
The legislation includes provisions such as enhanced penalties for undocumented immigrants, mandatory death sentences for certain crimes, and the elimination of in-state tuition waivers for Dreamers.
The state Senate passed the bill with a narrow 21-16 vote, falling short of the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto, while the House secured a veto-proof majority at 82-30.
Legislative leaders collaborated with the Trump administration to align the bill with federal immigration priorities, but DeSantis maintains it fails to meet the demands of Florida voters for stronger immigration policies.