Governor DeSantis Calls a Special Session to Support Trump’s Immigration Agenda

FAIR Take | January 2025
Last week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called a special session of the state legislature to “prepare Florida to lead on the Trump Administration’s deportation program.” As part of the special session, the Governor pledged to allocate additional resources to local law enforcement to help them partner with the federal immigration agencies. “We will allocate resources and ensure state and local officials in Florida are supporting these efforts,” Desantis said.
Governor DeSantis also outlined a number of key immigration proposals he wants the Florida legislature to consider during the Special Session. While bill language has not been finalized, the Governor’s proposals include:
- Repealing in-state tuition for illegal aliens. Legislators have already introduced a bill in the state Senate that would repeal the existing law which grants illegal alien students in-state tuition rates.
- Requiring every municipality to participate in the 287(g) program. The 287(g) program, authorized under federal law, allows ICE to delegate authority to state and local officials to perform the duties of federal immigration officer functions. This proposal also would impose a first-degree misdemeanor charge for any law enforcement officer who does not comply and a third-degree felony charge for any elected official who likewise doesn’t comply.
- Implementing a voter registration oath which requires individuals who register to vote to affirm that they are U.S. citizens and legal residents of the state.
- Increasing criminal penalties for fraudulent activity surrounding voting and voter registration. For example, it would be a second-degree felony for an illegal alien to falsely swear an oath relating to voter registration. Likewise, it would be a second-degree felony for an illegal alien to knowingly and willfully submit false information as part of a voter registration application.
- Require wire transmitters to verify the identity of individuals sending money to a foreign nation and submit proof of this verification to the state Department of Financial Services. Random audits are to be conducted by DFS on a quarterly basis and wire transmitters who violate the requirements will be subject to fines.
- Enhancing penalties for illegal aliens that have previously been convicted of a crime relating to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326. For example, a second-degree misdemeanor would be reclassified as a first-degree misdemeanor if the individual has illegally reentered the country.
- Create a “rebuttable presumption” that illegal aliens are flight risks and should be denied bail instead of being released back into the community.
Surprisingly, Republican legislative leaders had an icy reaction to DeSantis’ call for a special session. In a joint statement, House Speaker Daniel Perez and state Senate President Ben Albritton said the call for a special session was “premature” and “irresponsible,” signaling their apparent displeasure that they would be working in Tallahassee two months before the regular legislative session starts in March. They added, “Florida’s constitution compels our attendance at a special session unilaterally called by the Governor. However, the power to convene a special session also resides with the presiding officers. As the people’s elected representatives, the Legislature, not the Governor, will decide when and what legislation we consider.”
Democratic lawmakers also criticized the call for a special session, characterizing it as a “political spectacle.” “[I]t’s about grabbing national headlines and doubling down on divisive, partisan rhetoric.”
In reaction, Governor DeSantis reiterated that the legislature must act now. Speaking at a press conference, DeSantis urged Florida lawmakers to be “bold” and “strong,” rather than to view the Special Session in a “lackadaisical fashion.” “You’re basically saying after four years of Biden’s really destructive border policies that it’s somehow premature to act with a new president coming in? Are you kidding me? This is the time to act.”
Despite criticism from some, DeSantis’ efforts have powerful backers in Washington. President Trump endorsed DeSantis’ call for a special session within 24 hours of its announcement. Taking to Truth Social Trump said, “Thank you Ron, hopefully other Governors will follow!”
Florida Republicans also support Governor DeSantis’ call for a special session. A poll conducted by the Tyson Group showed that 85 percent of Republican voters support a special session, with 79 percent strongly supporting one. Republican voters also support immediate action, with about 72 percent stating they support action now, and 65 percent saying they “definitely” want immediate action. In contrast, only 18 of state republicans said lawmakers should wait to take up the issue during the Regular Session in March.
Florida’s special session is scheduled for the week of January 27.
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