Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged Republican lawmakers to act on illegal immigration. He demanded they "fight like a junkyard dog" and warned of political consequences for defiance.
DeSantis leaned on the Florida legislature ahead of a special session next week. He wants bills passed to align with President Trump’s federal immigration policies. GOP leaders, however, called the session "premature" and may gavel out without action.
The governor warned against delay. "It would be very, very hazardous politically," he said at a Jacksonville roundtable. He threatened to call another special session if GOP leaders stalled his agenda.
"I have my constitutional authority," DeSantis said. "I will continue to wield it as appropriate." He vowed to fight like a "junkyard dog" and added, "You don’t let go."
DeSantis is pushing for laws requiring state and local officials to follow new federal immigration orders. He also wants penalties for officials violating Florida’s "anti-sanctuary policies."
The session agenda includes hurricane aid, HOA fee reforms, and cracking down on ballot signature fraud. But GOP leaders have expressed skepticism.
House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton criticized DeSantis. They called it "irresponsible" to act before Trump’s immigration plans were finalized.
"Lawmakers will decide when and what legislation we consider," the leaders said.
Trump has already issued executive orders for "mass deportations." He declared a border emergency, deployed troops, and ended Biden’s CBP One app program.
His administration has also expanded expedited removals and reinstated the Remain-in-Mexico policy. DHS sources reported a 35% drop in illegal immigrant encounters at the border.
DeSantis dismissed the legislature’s concerns. "We’ve been waiting years for this moment," he said. "We can’t drag our feet… We need to do what we told the people that elected us that we would do."