DeSantis vows to veto ‘weak’ and ‘toothless’ immigration bill Florida GOP inexplicably passed

Tension between Florida Republicans is growing amid President Donald Trump’s bold immigration reforms.

Governor Ron DeSantis is accusing state House Speaker Daniel Perez and state Senate President Ben Albritton of watering down Trump’s illegal immigration agenda with opposing legislation that narrowly passed on Tuesday.

The state Republican lawmakers introduced the Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy Act (TRUMP Act) that would put Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson in charge of immigration, The Hill reported.

Key proposals within the act like heftier penalties for illegal aliens who vote and commit crimes align with DeSantis’ plan, but Simpson, who is reportedly not a DeSantis ally, becoming chief of operations is the governor’s bone of contention, according to the Hill.

DeSantis, however, took to X to slam the bill he argues is weak, and warned his veto pen was “ready” as he brought the receipts.

“The removal of illegal aliens residing in our state requires strong legislation that will guarantee state and local deportation assistance, end catch and release, eliminate magnets such as remittances, and adopt supporting policies that will protect Floridians from the scourge of illegal immigration.”

#BREAKING: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will VETO the legislature-passed immigration bill, which he argues is “weak” and lessens the state’s authority to enforce illegal immigration laws.

“The veto pen is ready.”

“The removal of illegal aliens residing in our state requires… pic.twitter.com/gSiHCQuOZB

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 29, 2025

The governor also posted side-by-side highlights of the two bills.

“We can not be weak,” DeSantis declared.

“The bill that narrowly passed the Florida legislature last night fails to honor our promises to voters, fails to meet the moment, and would actually weaken state immigration enforcement,” DeSantis’ statement continued.

We must have the strongest law in the nation on immigration enforcement. We cannot be weak.

That’s what the people expect and what the people have voted for in recent elections, culminating in the mandate earned by President Trump to enact the largest deportation program in… pic.twitter.com/1SNgwQ5iZH

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 29, 2025

Judging from DeSantis’ arguments his reasoning for a veto is much more than an alleged beef with Simpson.

There is no justification for doing this if you actually want to enhance enforcement.

The purpose of the provision is to stop enforcement.

It weakens current law and practice significantly.

Florida becomes a de facto sanctuary state. This is a betrayal of the voters. https://t.co/ntiy1fduG3

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 29, 2025

DeSantis received overwhelming support on X:

You’ve got a pen. You must veto this ridiculous overreach by RINOs & their cheap labor donors pic.twitter.com/TLUS7KCamz

— Daisy (@DaisyBelleLace) January 29, 2025

“Florida becomes a de facto sanctuary state. This is a betrayal of the voters.”

Exactly this.

And I guarantee you, not a single one of the 6,110,125 Floridians who just voted for @realDonaldTrump did so because they wanted us to be more like California. What the heck happened? pic.twitter.com/l7iz8dazho

— Amygator *not an actual alligator (@AmyA1A) January 29, 2025

The legislature’s proposal is, in fact, not perfect.

This thing has holes all over in it. Ron DeSantis should veto it and demand changes so we can actually carry out deportations adequately!

— Dustin Grage (@GrageDustin) January 29, 2025

Trump needs to immediately speak out and specifically say he supports Your plans, not theirs.

— Fed Up Kentuckian (@FedUpKentuckian) January 29, 2025

Please post the list of FL legislators who are supporting this
Or
Post a link to find it
Unbelievable!
TY Gov DeSantis for NOT backing down- FL has your back!

— Suns Out (@SunsOut949) January 30, 2025

Here you go:

Here are your Republican state senators who bucked the Senate amnesty caucus, stood strong for the people of Florida and opposed the weak, toothless immigration bill.

Bradley
Collins
Grall
Ingoglia
Martin https://t.co/ccL5peuDRc

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 29, 2025

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