• Governor Ron DeSantis announces the appointment of a state immigration officer to implement Trump's immigration agenda.
• DeSantis emphasizes the need for local enforcement to support federal immigration laws.
• Efforts to foster cooperation with Trump signal a strategic political alignment ahead of the upcoming legislative session.
• Key reforms in education, voting, and gang enforcement are also on DeSantis's agenda.

Following their prior rivalry in the primaries, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has taken significant steps to rebuild his rapport with President-elect Donald Trump. In a recent meeting at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, the two discussed a collaborative approach to immigration reform designed to align with Trump’s proposed policies. During a press conference in central Florida, DeSantis outlined plans to appoint a state-level immigration officer responsible for coordinating with federal authorities. He stated, “We are going to be appointing a state immigration officer that will be dedicated to overseeing the coordination with federal authorities and Florida’s existing program” ([The Hill](https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5087020-desantis-florida-immigration-officer/)).

As part of this initiative, DeSantis called for heightened participation from local and state law enforcement to ensure the enforcement of federal immigration laws. He asserted his belief that the federal government would support state and local officials in detaining and deporting undocumented individuals. Additionally, he is pressing for reforms concerning gang-related activities, education, and voting processes, including requiring affirmation of U.S. citizenship for voter registration.

The governor’s overture to Trump reflects a strategic shift in their relationship and highlights DeSantis's aim to set Florida as a model for other states pursuing similar immigration enforcement agendas. Commenting on the evolving dynamics, a source remarked, “The relationship has definitely warmed back up and I think both of them realize they’re better off together” ([The Hill](https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5088026-florida-desantis-trump-alliance/)).

In response to DeSantis's recent announcements, Trump expressed gratitude on his social media platform, illustrating the potential for a collaborative agenda focused on immigration, a key issue that has historically resonated with their base. Florida’s upcoming special legislative session on January 27 has been viewed as critical for the implementation of these reforms, although some Republican leaders in the state legislature expressed reservations about the timing, deeming it “premature.”

DeSantis has also been vocal about his long-term political ambitions, suggesting his alignment with Trump could benefit his future prospects. “We have a new sheriff coming in town, nationally,” he stated, implying that Florida would lead the way in enforcing this renewed immigration policy. Political strategist Ford O’Connell noted, “The better DeSantis complies with the MAGA agenda, the better his future political prospects will be.” This synergy between DeSantis and Trump points toward a unified approach that may influence the broader Republican narrative as they navigate the upcoming election cycles.

As DeSantis evaluates potential candidates to fill a Senate seat vacated by Trump’s pick, he is reportedly considering various names including Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, aiming to ensure that his choices continue to reflect his governance priorities and uphold the interests of Floridians.

For further details on this developing story, be sure to read the full articles through the following links: [The Hill](https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5087020-desantis-florida-immigration-officer/) and [The Hill](https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5088026-florida-desantis-trump-alliance/).