Governor Ron DeSantis signs a controversial immigration law package, sparking debate across the Florida Legislature and setting the stage for stricter immigration enforcement.
Quick Takes
- Governor Ron DeSantis enacts new immigration laws supporting Trump’s agenda.
- The legislation mandates severe penalties for undocumented immigrants.
- The death penalty for certain crimes committed by undocumented migrants is contested.
- A $298 million budget is allocated for immigration-related law enforcement.
Florida’s New Immigration Legislation Package
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a comprehensive package of immigration laws aligning with President Trump’s mass deportation agenda. These laws aim to enhance cooperation with federal authorities, imposing severe sanctions for illegal activities. Senate Memorial 6C and Senate Bill 4C are at the core of this legislative initiative. While promoting state-federal collaboration, Senate Bill 2C increases penalties for crimes involving undocumented immigrants and limits in-state tuition waivers for noncitizens. The measures passed with significant Republican support.
The death penalty provision within the legislation ignites controversy, with critics suggesting it may be unconstitutional according to Supreme Court precedent. Amendments proposed to protect vulnerable immigrant groups were largely rejected, reflecting the contentious nature of the legislative process. Critics clashed with Republican legislators who supported harsh penalties, showcasing the deep partisan divide on the topic. The legislation comes after a complex negotiation process among Florida Republicans.
NEW: DeSantis tells voters "this is what you asked for" in reference to legislature-passed anti-illegal immigration bill
"This is a team effort […] We were working very hard on this for many weeks."
"I absolutely anticipate other states will follow what Florida has done… we… pic.twitter.com/Prl0rs86ZK
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) February 13, 2025
Federal and State Collaboration Enhanced
The new laws position Florida as a leader among conservative states in mobilizing state and local resources to enforce federal immigration laws. By establishing the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, Florida aims to coordinate efforts with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), strengthening the state’s role in combating illegal immigration. The board will manage significant state funds to support law enforcement operations in cooperation with federal agencies, demanding unanimous board decisions.
This legislative move is a clear alignment with strategies seen in other Southern states, like Alabama and Georgia, which advance similar policies. Alabama’s focus includes collecting DNA from undocumented immigrants while Georgia empowers citizens to sue local governments uncooperative with federal immigration laws. These collective moves mirror a regional effort to support strict immigration control, reinforcing the political and policy connections that bind these states together in their dealings with federal immigration mandates.
Today in Titusville and Fort Myers, I was joined by law enforcement and an angel mom to highlight the failures of the Florida Legislature’s weak bill on illegal immigration that would actually hinder state enforcement efforts.
After first rejecting my call for a Special Session… pic.twitter.com/An286AGTtI— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 29, 2025
Republican Support with Some Dissent
The legislation passed mostly along party lines, with vigorous Republican support, though some factions were uneasy with specific provisions, such as the death penalty for undocumented immigrants committing capital offenses, leading to dissension within the ranks. A notable amendment removed the possibility of restricting the Governor’s emergency powers related to immigration, which was seen as a strategic move to ensure the package’s passage. Some of Governor DeSantis’ earlier propositions, including stronger E-verify legislation, await further sessions.
The debate over this legislative package underscores not just the political divisions but also the evolving landscape of immigration policy in the U.S., with Florida stepping fiercely into the spotlight. This bold move signifies a commitment to tightening immigration controls within the state, setting a new legislative precedent that’s likely to impact ongoing debates and legislation in other states grappling with similar issues.
