Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is taking decisive steps to ensure the state’s policies align with those of the incoming Trump administration, particularly in the area of immigration. On Monday, DeSantis announced he would call the Florida Legislature into a special session during the week of January 27, just days after President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in on January 20. The session will focus on passing a sweeping immigration bill designed to complement the executive orders Trump is expected to sign shortly after assuming office.
DeSantis confirmed he has personally communicated with Trump about immigration policy, and his administration has been briefed on some of the proposals that will be part of the president-elect’s initial agenda. “We will tailor what we are doing to mirror what their policies are going to be,” DeSantis told reporters.
Trump’s transition team has been preparing a series of executive orders for his first day in office, with immigration expected to be one of the central issues. Trump’s campaign emphasized a hardline stance on immigration, including mass deportations and the potential end of birthright citizenship. A Trump campaign official has promised the new administration’s approach will be “like nothing you’ve seen in history.”
While the specifics of Trump’s executive orders remain unclear, DeSantis is already aligning state policy with the anticipated changes. One area of focus is the expansion of the 287(g) program, which allows U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to delegate immigration enforcement authority to local officials. DeSantis believes the Trump administration will enhance this program, enabling more robust enforcement at the local level.
“I think it is going to be a more robust application of 287(g) than we have probably seen,” DeSantis said. “That will be good. Something that I think will make a meaningful difference.”
Under the current system, state and local governments can opt into the 287(g) program. However, DeSantis hopes the Republican-controlled Legislature will make participation mandatory during the special session. “We are going to say sheriffs and municipalities are going to be part of 287(g),” he stated.
DeSantis’ proposed legislation will aim to strengthen enforcement of federal immigration laws, punish local officials who fail to comply, and close loopholes that encourage undocumented immigration to Florida. A major point of contention is the state’s 2014 law offering in-state tuition rates to undocumented immigrants. DeSantis criticized this policy, calling it a reward for illegal residency. “In-state tuition, that is a benefit you are rewarding someone for being here illegally,” he remarked.
Despite previous attempts to end the program, Florida Republicans have resisted efforts to repeal it. State Representative Randy Fine, a Trump-endorsed candidate running to replace Rep. Mike Waltz, has vowed to file legislation to end the in-state tuition benefit, which he claims costs Florida taxpayers $45 million annually. “Governor DeSantis and I have had our differences, but one thing we have both wanted to do for years is end the $45 million in handouts for illegal immigrants,” Fine said.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, a potential appointee to the Senate seat vacated by Marco Rubio, also voiced support for DeSantis’ push for tougher immigration policies. “Thank you @GovRonDeSantis for ensuring that the state is prepared to enact @RealDonaldTrump’s immigration priorities on DAY ONE,” she posted on social media.
As for the Senate seat, DeSantis has not publicly announced his pick, though he has indicated that whoever fills the position will be a strong advocate for reforming the H-1B visa program. This program, which allows U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign workers, has become a contentious issue among Trump’s supporters, with some, like tech billionaire Elon Musk, advocating for its continuation, while others, such as conservative commentators Steve Bannon and Laura Loomer, call for its abolition.
Trump himself has weighed in on the debate, declaring the H-1B program “great” in late December, despite internal divisions within his base.
As the nation waits for the new administration’s approach to immigration, DeSantis is moving swiftly to ensure that Florida is prepared to implement policies in lockstep with Trump’s vision on Day One.
