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3mo ago

Florida Republicans Reach Deal on Immigration Legislation After Party Rift

The compromise strengthens state immigration enforcement aligned with Trump’s agenda while curbing Governor DeSantis’ unilateral authority.

Demonstrators protest against mass deportations and the immigration policies of President Donald Trump, in West Palm Beach, Florida, on February 8, 2025.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks on Feb. 5, 2025, in Miami.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis answers questions from the media during a press conference at Christopher Columbus High School on Monday, March 27, 2023, in Miami, Fla. The press conference was held to announce DeSantis's signing of a private school voucher expansion, HB1, which allows more Florida school children become eligible for taxpayer-funded school vouchers.(Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald via AP)
FILE – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a news conference Sept. 16, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)

Overview

  • Florida lawmakers approved a compromise immigration bill after weeks of tension between Governor Ron DeSantis and Republican legislative leaders.
  • The legislation creates a State Board of Immigration Enforcement, giving DeSantis influence but requiring unanimous votes, which grants veto power to Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
  • Key measures include enhanced penalties for undocumented immigrants committing certain crimes, mandatory pretrial detention for forcible felonies, and repealing in-state tuition for undocumented students.
  • The controversial migrant transport program led by DeSantis will now require federal requests for use and is set to end in 2027, signaling legislative disapproval.
  • The $298 million package funds local law enforcement training, new immigration enforcement positions, and detention facility leases, reflecting a scaled-back budget from earlier proposals.