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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a series of legislative proposals on Wednesday aimed at expediting the Trump administration’s upcoming plans to deport illegal aliens.
“Florida is ready to lead,” DeSantis stated during a press conference unveiling the initiatives. “With President Trump taking office, Florida has a unique opportunity to help facilitate the end to America’s immigration crisis.”
According to a press release from the governor’s office, the proposals include:
• Establishing a state-level crime for illegal entry into the U.S. and creating a self-deportation process.
• Expanding the legal definition of gang-related activities to include certain groups of illegal aliens.
• Repealing in-state college tuition for illegal immigrant students.
The proposals also emphasize maximum participation in the federal 287(g) deportation program, which allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to delegate specific immigration enforcement duties to state and local law enforcement. Noncompliance with the program would result in penalties, such as suspension of officials.
Additionally, DeSantis’ plan includes appointing a “dedicated officer to oversee coordination with federal authorities and the Unauthorized Alien Transport Program (UATP)” and expanding UATP to facilitate the detention and deportation of illegal immigrants.
Other measures involve:
• Mandating voter registration affirmation of U.S. citizenship and Florida residency.
• Increasing penalties for illegal aliens registering or voting in elections.
• Requiring identification verification for foreign remittance transfers.
• Introducing a rebuttable presumption that illegal immigrants are flight risks to deny bail.
These proposals build on DeSantis’ previous legislative efforts to combat illegal immigration, including stricter penalties for border crossers and E-Verify requirements for employers with 25 or more employees to confirm workers’ citizenship status.
Wednesday’s announcement followed DeSantis’ call earlier in the week for a special legislative session starting Jan. 27 to prepare resources for Trump’s nationwide deportation plans. However, Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton expressed skepticism, labeling the session “premature” in a letter to lawmakers.
Responding to the criticism, DeSantis said, “You’re basically saying after four years of Biden’s really destructive immigration and border policies that it’s somehow premature for us to act with a new president coming in. Are you kidding me?”
Former President Donald Trump praised DeSantis’ initiative in a Truth Social post on Tuesday, encouraging other governors to take similar steps. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee followed suit, announcing a special session to address immigration-related public safety measures.
