TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced plans to veto a sweeping immigration bill recently passed by Republican lawmakers, igniting further tensions in a power struggle between him and state legislative leaders. In a post on social media platform X, DeSantis criticized the bill, stating it “fails to honor our promises to voters” and is “weak” on immigration enforcement. This marks the latest chapter in a growing rift between the governor and legislative leaders who have sought to implement their version of President Donald Trump's immigration agenda.

The legislation, known as the Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy (TRUMP) Act, was approved by the Florida legislature after heated debates, passing the Senate with a margin of 21-16 and the House with a decisive 82-30 vote. The bill includes provisions to enhance penalties for noncitizens committing crimes in the U.S. and strips in-state tuition benefits for undocumented students attending public colleges in Florida. It would allocate around $500 million to bolster immigrant enforcement resources across the state, with the most notable aspect being the proposal to appoint Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson as the chief immigration officer, a move DeSantis has described as putting the "fox in charge of the hen house” AP News.

In a striking act of defiance, state House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton dismissed DeSantis's call for a special session aimed at advancing Trump's immigration agenda, instead pushing forward with their own bill. The divide has sparked discussions about loyalty within Florida's Republican ranks, as some GOP members, including those previously aligned with DeSantis, voted against the measure, describing it as insufficiently tough on immigration Newsweek.

Democrats have strongly opposed the legislation, labeling it quick-paced and overly punitive. They expressed specific concern regarding the stripping of in-state tuition for undocumented students, which had historically offered educational opportunities to individuals who may have spent significant time in the state The Hill. State Representative Christine Hunchofsky highlighted the vague language demanding cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, questioning how this would affect local government employees.

As tensions mount between DeSantis and the state legislature, with the governor aiming to assert his authority and enhance his standing with Trump's base, the ongoing conflict signals a crucial moment for Florida Republicans grappling with immigration policies. “The veto pen is ready,” DeSantis emphasized, alluding to potential future legislative battles as he prepares to act on the bill. Meanwhile, the division raises the question of whether the legislature can gather enough support to override a veto if DeSantis proceeds with that course of action AP News.