TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis wants lawmakers to craft legislation giving local police authority to enforce immigration law in Florida. 

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. DeSantis wants a special session to crack down against illegal immigration

  • He wants lawmakers to give local police power to police immigration

  • The proposal is similar to a Texas law

  • To do so, he'll need the help of legislative leaders

To do so, DeSantis suggested lawmakers might reconvene in Tallahassee for a special session, an idea that comes just weeks after the 2024 Legislative Session ended. 

The proposal would likely make illegal immigration a state level offense, essentially giving local police authority to arrest a person if they believe they’re illegally crossing into the country. It may also threaten state specified penalties, such as fines or jail time. 

The Governor’s Office provided Spectrum News no additional details.

“I’m working with folks… to give our law enforcement more authority to arrest and detain because I think that will be a huge disincentive for people to come if we can do it,” DeSantis said on the Sean Hannity radio show. 

The governor’s vision for greater police authority comes after Texas approved legislation empowering local law enforcement to police immigration. The law, however, is in legal limbo. The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed it to go into effect. Hours later, a federal appeals court blocked it. 

The Texas law — SB 4 — garnered the White House’s attention. 

“S.B. 4 is just another example of Republican officials politicizing the border while blocking real solutions,” wrote White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

It also got the attention of the Mexican government, who opposes the law.

“Mexico is deeply concerned that SB 4 will be applied in a discriminatory manner and fears that its enforcement will lead to improper harassment, detention, removal and criminalization of Mexican citizens and individuals of Latino appearance,” the Mexican government wrote to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

To order a special session and pass such a law in Florida, DeSantis will need the Legislature’s approval. Neither chamber on Friday took a position on the proposal. In a statement, a House spokesman criticized the Biden administration and said they’re monitoring what “emerges through the courts.”

“We believe the Florida Legislature has given Governor DeSantis the tools he needs to keep Floridians safe,” wrote Andres Malave, as spokesman for House Speaker Paul Renner. 

Meanwhile, a Florida Senate spokesperson noted the civil and political chaos in Haiti, which DeSantis has warned may prompt a migrant influx. The island nation is indeed in crisis, plagued by widespread gang violence and the forced resignation of their prime minister. 

“The situation in Haiti is very serious, and from her perspective the Governor has always been very vigilant and proactive in addressing security concerns that impact our state and country,” Florida Senate Spokeswoman Katie Betta said of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo. 

The situation in Haiti prompted DeSantis Wednesday to charter rescue flights out of the island. Gang violence forced airport closures around Haiti, leaving many residents and tourists stranded.

“We understand that there’s people that are really in danger right now that are our fellow Floridians,” DeSantis said.

While Florida Democrats are not speaking against the rescue flights, they are voicing opposition against DeSantis’ latest proposal. Some suggest the move is DeSantis aiming to boost his political profile after a failed presidential run.

“Right now, Haitians are living in fear and uncertainty, their families in Florida worried and heartsick for what their future may bring,” Miami Gardens Democratic State Sen. Shevrin Jones. “This is not a time to score political points off people’s suffering, this is a time to recognize that Haitians need our help.”

Democrats are also criticizing the governor’s willingness to order a special session on immigration, while issues such as rising property insurance rates remain problematic to Floridians.

“The casualties that we’re seeing with all this posturing to stay relevant on a national level are Floridians who are not getting the help that they need by the people who are supposed to be helping them,” said Miami Democratic State Rep. Ashley Gantt.

Last week, DeSantis signed another controversial immigration proposal. The new law will invalidate nonofficial ID forms, like out-of-state drivers licenses issued to undocumented migrants. Another bill ups the penalties for driving without a license. 

“We are throwing the book at you,” DeSantis said. “You are going to regret coming to the state of Florida.”

Those laws will take effect in July.

More than 250 National Guardsmen and police officers are mobilized to police Florida’s southern coast.