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In a dramatic turn of events, Republican lawmakers in Florida have dealt Governor Ron DeSantis a significant blow by rejecting his immigration crackdown. On Monday, the Florida House and Senate abruptly ended a special legislative session that DeSantis had called to push forward his own immigration policies. Instead, the lawmakers decided to move ahead with their own proposals, closely aligned with the hardline immigration policies of former President Donald Trump.
The session, called by DeSantis, was intended to secure approval for measures that would tighten immigration enforcement in Florida. Among the proposals were plans to appoint a new state immigration officer who would report directly to the governor and liaise with the White House. However, Senate President Ben Albritton and other lawmakers quickly objected, accusing DeSantis of attempting to bypass the legislature’s role in writing laws.
“President Trump is clearly leading from the Oval Office and has everything under control. Sometimes leadership is not about being out in front. It’s about following the leaders you trust,” said Albritton, showing support for Trump’s influence over DeSantis. Lawmakers in the state are now set to introduce their own immigration bill that would follow Trump’s policies, but without DeSantis’s involvement.
DeSantis had hoped to strengthen Florida’s immigration laws, including making it a state crime for undocumented immigrants to enter the state. He also proposed additional measures such as pushing local authorities to assist with deportations and ending in-state tuition for non-citizens at universities. However, many of these proposals have drawn criticism for their harshness, and now DeSantis finds himself at odds with the very lawmakers who once backed him.
Ron DeSantis’s Authority Challenged
The rejection of Ro DeSantis’s immigration plan comes on the heels of a growing rift between the governor and the Florida legislature. Republican lawmakers are increasingly asserting their independence, pushing back against DeSantis’s perceived overreach. Speaker of the House Daniel Perez had already criticized DeSantis for summoning lawmakers to Tallahassee ahead of the regular legislative session, calling it an “overreach.”
Further complicating DeSantis’s position, the Florida legislature also voted to override his veto on significant portions of the state’s budget. This marks the first time the legislature has directly challenged DeSantis’s financial authority since he took office. This move was seen as a message of defiance, with lawmakers unhappy about DeSantis’s cuts to state funding, including slashing the arts budget.
While DeSantis has had a reputation for strong leadership within the state, this series of setbacks is signaling a shift in the balance of power. Lawmakers, many of whom were once aligned with the governor, are now showing their reluctance to follow his lead.
A Changing Political Landscape for Ron DeSantis
The growing tension between DeSantis and Florida Republicans could have far-reaching consequences for his political future. The governor’s failed attempt to challenge Trump for the 2024 presidential nomination has led to a loss of the loyalty he once enjoyed from state lawmakers. With a growing sense of independence within the Florida legislature, DeSantis may find it increasingly difficult to push through his policy agenda.
Additionally, immigration advocates have voiced concerns over the negative impact of both DeSantis’s proposed policies and the legislature’s proposals. Critics argue that focusing on divisive immigration issues serves as a distraction from more pressing concerns, such as the state’s economic challenges and rising living costs.
Despite this internal GOP conflict, DeSantis continues to pursue national political ambitions, with his policies often closely reflecting the hardline stance of Donald Trump. However, the developments in Florida serve as a reminder that DeSantis’s path to the presidency may not be as clear-cut as it once appeared. Nikki Fried, chair of the Florida Democratic Party, tweeted that the sudden end of the session and the budget criticism provided "a small dose of democracy.
The Florida Legislature just overrode Ron DeSantis’s veto of millions of dollars from the leg operating budget and gave him the middle finger for his BS special session call.
— Nikki Fried (@NikkiFried) January 27, 2025
Do I dare say that a small dose of democracy was just witnessed.
A New Political Chapter for Ro DeSantis
The rejection of DeSantis’s immigration plan and the override of his budget veto represent significant political setbacks for the governor. Florida Republicans are asserting their independence, signaling a shift in power within the state. While DeSantis’s ambitions for the presidency remain strong, these developments show that his future may not be as certain as many once thought. The political dynamics within Florida continue to evolve, and how DeSantis navigates this new chapter will be crucial to his political survival.
