FLORIDA — Florida lawmakers will meet for another special session to consider proposals that would make Florida “the strongest state in the country for combatting illegal immigration,” according to Governor Ron DeSantis.
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DeSantis took to social media on Monday night to talk about the proposals. In a video, DeSantis said the proposals would make Florida the strongest state for assisting the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Requiring state and local participation in federal immigration enforcement, making it a crime to enter FL illegally, and ending catch-and-release of criminal aliens — all great policies and I’m happy to see the FL Legislature stepping up to get the job done… pic.twitter.com/BaMhwbruh7
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) February 11, 2025
A source inside the Governor’s Office told Action News Jax that DeSantis and the Florida Legislature have reached a new immigration deal.
The proposals would make it a state crime to enter Florida as an undocumented immigrant.
“Some other states have done it. It’s our turn to follow suit,” DeSantis said in the social media video.
The deal would end the catch-and-release for criminal undocumented immigrants.
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All state and local law enforcement agencies would be required to help the federal government in immigration cases and deportations.
Under the new deal, there would be no in-state tuition awarded to undocumented immigrants. DeSantis said this is something that should have never happened.
The Governor will keep the authority over immigration laws. The Florida Legislature previously said they wanted the Agriculture Commissioner to take on the role.
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“All in all, I think this is really really strong,” DeSantis said.
A special session will be held on Tuesday to discuss the deal, the source told Action News Jax.
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