TALLAHASSEE — Florida lawmakers launched their third special session on Tuesday to discuss new measures aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement. The session comes after a series of disputes between Governor Ron DeSantis and state lawmakers over how to implement key immigration policies aligned with President Donald Trump’s priorities.
Lawmakers are set to vote on Thursday on a revised package of bills that introduces several changes to an earlier measure passed just two weeks ago. Among the changes is the removal of a key provision that DeSantis had criticized.
New Immigration Enforcement Board Proposed
The revised plan (HB 1-C and SB 2-C) abandons a proposal that would have appointed Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson as the state’s chief immigration officer. Instead, the plan calls for the creation of a State Board of Immigration Enforcement, made up of the governor, agriculture commissioner, attorney general, and the state’s chief financial officer. The board would coordinate immigration enforcement with federal authorities and allocate $250 million in grants to local law enforcement agencies for support. All decisions by the board would need unanimous approval.
Senate President Ben Albritton described this new approach as a “consensus” model, aiming for broader cooperation on immigration enforcement. The board’s creation aligns with recent changes in Florida’s Cabinet.
Key Cabinet Changes and Appointments
Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has resigned to run for Congress, and former Attorney General Ashley Moody left her post after being appointed to fill Marco Rubio’s former Senate seat. Governor DeSantis has indicated plans to appoint his chief of staff, James Uthmeier, as attorney general, and he will also choose a new CFO.
Simpson’s vote is crucial for the approval of grants to reimburse local law enforcement for expenses related to supporting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The funds could also provide $1,000 bonuses for officers trained to work on federal immigration task forces.
“This new model is better and will work more effectively,” Albritton said. “It represents the best ideas we believe will support President Trump’s efforts to address illegal immigration.”
Revised Migrant Transport Program
The new plan also makes key changes to the “Unauthorized Alien Transport Program,” which was created in 2023 to help relocate undocumented immigrants to other states, such as Martha’s Vineyard. Under the revised plan, the state can only transport migrants if federal immigration officials specifically request assistance, cover the travel costs, and supervise the operations.
Senator Joe Gruters, a Sarasota Republican and ally of President Trump, downplayed the changes, saying that with borders already closed, the program’s political impact is no longer necessary.
“Now, it’s about working with the Trump administration to do what’s right,” Gruters said.
Stricter Penalties and Enforcement Measures
The legislation also proposes tougher penalties for non-compliance with federal immigration laws. Local officials who refuse to cooperate with ICE could face fines of $5,000 and suspension from office. The bill also calls for pretrial detention for undocumented immigrants who commit violent crimes.
Additionally, the measure would allocate $35.6 million to strengthen border enforcement and provide $12 million for 84 new enforcement positions. The plan also seeks to eliminate in-state tuition for undocumented immigrant students.
A separate bill (HB 3-C and SB 4-C) would make it a state crime to be in the country illegally and impose the death penalty for undocumented immigrants convicted of murder or child rape.
Political Divisions and Final Vote
House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, described the new legislation as a “compromise” that aligns with both DeSantis’ and President Trump’s goals for handling illegal immigration.
“We are working closely with the federal government and have set aside resources to address the immigration crisis,” Perez said. “This bill will make Florida safer.”
However, House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, argued that the legislation wouldn’t address the root issues of immigration reform. She emphasized that federal solutions, including more resources for ICE, are needed.
“The Florida Legislature is spending nearly $300 million on a problem that requires federal action,” Driskell said.
The special session, called by Perez and Albritton, marks a shift in the state’s approach to immigration. Earlier this year, DeSantis had called for a special session, which was quickly shut down by lawmakers who disagreed with his approach. They later called their own session, passing a bill that gave Simpson authority over immigration enforcement. DeSantis vowed to veto that bill, calling it a “pro-amnesty” measure.
Threats Amid Controversy
Albritton spoke out on Tuesday about the intense political atmosphere surrounding the immigration debate. He condemned the death threats received by Simpson and his family, calling them unacceptable.
“There is no place for political violence in our state. These threats are un-American, and they must stop,” Albritton said.
As lawmakers prepare for Thursday’s vote, the outcome of this session could significantly shape Florida’s immigration policy moving forward.
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