Both of Florida’s top Republicans in the state Legislature dismissed Gov. Ron DeSantis’s push for a special session to advance President-elect Trump’s immigration plans.
State Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez, both Republicans, laid out their concerns that the move was “premature” in a letter to fellow legislators hours after DeSantis’ announcement.
“Florida’s constitution compels our attendance at a special session unilaterally called by the Governor,” the lawmakers wrote. “However, the power to convene a special session also resides with the presiding officers.”
“As the people’s elected representatives, the Legislature, not the Governor, will decide when and what legislation we consider,” the letter noted.
Though they highlighted their support for Trump’s efforts, they stated that acting too soon would be “irresponsible.”
They added, “When we receive specific guidance that may necessitate our state’s legislative action to complement President Trump’s efforts, we stand ready to act at the appropriate time.”
Their letter followed DeSantis’s Monday announcement during a press conference, where he outlined his plan for a special legislative session to address the state’s handling of Trump’s immigration agenda.
He painted a vivid picture of upcoming changes, stating, “When President Trump takes office again on January 20 we are going to see a sea change in policies, particularly with respect to the border and illegal immigration. This is the time to get it right once and for all.”
DeSantis said Florida must step up to “help the Trump administration enforce our nation’s immigration laws,” which, he argued, requires new legislation to define additional responsibilities for local officials and provide necessary funding.
He also demanded measures to hold individuals accountable for violating Florida’s anti-sanctuary laws and to eliminate any “lingering incentives” that might attract undocumented migrants to the Sunshine State.
“I’m going to call the Legislature into special session starting the week of Jan. 27,” DeSantis confirmed during the press conference. “We have the next president taking office Jan. 20, we anticipate executive orders to be issued immediately after the swearing-in and the inaugural address.”
Beyond immigration issues, the Governor suggested lawmakers tackle other topics, including condominium safety, hurricane recovery efforts, and ballot initiatives. Albritton and Perez, however, said these additional issues don’t justify a special session.
“With regard to the additional issues outlined by the Governor this morning, the fact is there are ample funds accessible and available to pay for the State’s ongoing disaster response efforts and additional funds do not have to wait until July 1,” they wrote.
“Condominium safety and ballot initiatives proposing constitutional amendments are complex subjects and should be considered during the regular session, not a truncated special session.”
DeSantis snapped back in a post on X, formerly Twitter, early Monday evening.
“President-elect Trump was elected with a mandate to stop illegal immigration and deport illegal aliens already in our country,” he wrote.
“State and local officials in Florida will actively facilitate the Trump Administration’s policies against illegal immigration, and to do that we need to immediately set aside and approve the necessary funding and resources now,” the post concluded.
Watch DeSantis’ Monday press conference here:
Well, I guess these two Rinos are ready to committ political suicide. Al whats his name and Perez sound a bit sanctuary. Have the growers gotten to them? Every illegal alien needs to be deported ASAP. How can these two miss that message sent so recently in an election?
Come here legally or do not come at all! That is the message. And entering while Senile Joe was in charge was not a legal entry. Kick them all back where they came from and then they should apply to see if they are within the laws to be here and can APPLY to come to the USA legally.
Desantos is a great governor. I know he can handle these idiots. We do not want Gop rinos right now. Better get in line boys!!! Florida is a Trump state. rinos are not wanted.
Damn DC Estd GOP types