Gov. DeSantis promises to veto TRUMP Act immigration bill
ORLANDO, Fla. - Governor Ron DeSantis promised during a press conference Wednesday morning that he would be vetoing the TRUMP Act bill when it comes across his desk.
The backstory:
The Florida Legislature convened on Monday, as required by the state constitution, for Gov. DeSantis's special session to address immigration enforcement. However, the meeting only lasted a number of minutes before the legislature adjourned. Later, reconvening for their own session focusing on the TRUMP Act immigration bill.
RELATED: Florida lawmakers end special session called by Governor DeSantis, call their own session
The bill:
- Increases penalties for crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, including requiring the death penalty for those convicted of capital offenses.
- Mandates law enforcement participation in immigration detention efforts, offering bonuses to officers assisting in raids.
- Eliminates in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students, even for those currently enrolled in Florida colleges and universities.
Tuesday night, the Florida Legislature passed the bill, transferring key responsibilities from the governor to the agriculture commissioner in regard to immigration enforcement.
The bill allocates over $500 million for immigration enforcement efforts, but Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized the measure saying it fails to meet the demands of Trump’s broader immigration agenda.
RELATED: Who is Wilton Simpson? The Florida Legislature against DeSantis's immigration bill
Gov. DeSantis vs. agriculture commissioner Wilton Simpson
Governor Ron DeSantis and agriculture commissioner Wilton Simpson are currently in a rivalry for the "Chief Immigration Officer" position after the Florida Legislature shot down DeSantis's special session and introduced their own bill the TRUMP Act. FOX 35's Randi Hildreth has the latest.
Gov. DeSantis promises to veto the bill:
What they're saying:
The governor held a round table discussion Wednesday morning in Fort Myers where he promised to veto the legislature's immigration bill.
DeSantis criticized the bill, calling it "weak" and watered-down."
RELATED: Florida lawmakers pass TRUMP Act bill to help with immigration crackdown
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The Source: The information in this article comes from previous reporting, press conferences and the AP.