In the spirit of Valentine's Day, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Speaker Daniel Perez and Sen. Ben Albritton have finally come to their senses and appear to be on the same page over passing strong, not-so-weak, illegal immigration legislation.
Both sides called the other's immigration bill and proposal "weak."
Through Rep. Mike Caruso, the sole "No" vote of the House bill, it looks as if Gov. DeSantis is taking a victory lap.
"We, the people of Florida, are on the brink of victory! When push came to shove, the pro-amnesty bill was transformed into the strong legislation we’ve been advocating for. Together, we’re making our voices heard! This is happening because of the grassroots cry for Justice from all you. Your voices were loud. Your voices were heard. Thank you for standing with me and Governor @GovRonDeSantis. FloridaWins LegislativeChange."
Speaker Perez took a different tone, giving President Trump's White House the credit.
Our commitment to leading the nation in immigration enforcement is strengthened by the cooperation and input of @GovRonDeSantis and @WiltonSimpson. @BenAlbrittonFL and I just filed the proclamation for Special Session C, where we will build on our state’s work over the last several weeks and work hand-in-hand with the White House to ensure we have the most aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration in the nation. We will send a clear and united message that illegal immigration and gang violence in Florida will be met with severe penalties and swift deportations.
The biggest loser in this legislation is Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, whose 2026 gubernatorial dreams may have just taken a broad side hit.
In the original bill, Commissioner Simpson has given all the authority on illegal immigration enforcement.
This was a non-starter for DeSantis.
Now, Simpson will have to share the authority as the measure creates a State Board of Immigration Enforcement that includes Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Attorney General, and the state's Chief Financial Officer.
In addition, all decisions by the group would have to be unanimous.
If this bill is signed into law, Sen.Blaise Ingoglia could be in the CFO driver's seat.
Sen. Ingoglia is considered to be the top choice for Gov. DeSantis to pick as CFO. Current CFO Jimmy Patronis will soon leave his post to go to the U.S. House of Representatives.
DeSantis will then have to replace him.
Ingoglia and DeSantis are tied at the hip, whereas Sen. Joe Gruters, who has received the Trump endorsement for the position, is not.
The Special Session has been called for Feb 11-14.
