Florida Governor Vows to Nix Immigration Bill After Lawmakers' Rebuke

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has decided to veto a significant immigration bill passed by the state's lawmakers. This decision comes after intense disagreements between DeSantis and Republican leaders over how to best enforce President Trump's immigration policies. The bill, which aims to strengthen coordination between state and federal law enforcement, has been criticized by DeSantis as being too soft. He called it a "watered-down" version of what he had proposed. The bill, worth half a billion dollars, includes tougher penalties for undocumented immigrants who commit crimes. However, it also takes some power away from the governor and gives it to the state's agriculture commissioner, an arrangement DeSantis calls "putting the fox in charge of the hen house. " DeSantis expressed his displeasure on social media and during roundtable events. He accused Republican leaders of siding with Democrats and said voters should hold their representatives accountable if they don't like the bill. The Republican-dominated legislature might try to override the veto, but they may need support from Senate Democrats, which could lead to more political backlash from the right. During the emotional debate, Democrats pushed back against a provision that would strip in-state tuition from undocumented students. While some Republicans and Democrats have criticized the bill, others have supported it, seeing it as a way to address the immigration crisis. The bill includes funding for new officers, training, and reimbursements for counties leasing detention space to immigration authorities. The bill's passage was marked by defiance from House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton, who dismissed the governor's call for a special session. DeSantis has been vocal about his disapproval of the legislation since its announcement. Democrats have also raised concerns about the bill's impact on schools and places of worship, pushing for protections against potential raids or searches. The debate reflects the complex and contentious nature of immigration policy in Florida.