Official state government announcements and media reports

DeSantis Sets January 27 Session to Support Trump's Deportations, Warns Noncompliant Officials

Jan 13, 2025, 02:53 PM

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has called for a special session of the state legislature beginning on January 27th to prepare for and support President Donald Trump's forthcoming immigration enforcement policies, including mass deportations. The session aims to enact legislation that imposes additional duties on local officials and provides funding to assist in the enforcement efforts. DeSantis emphasized that state and local officials in Florida must help the Trump administration enforce immigration laws, warning that he has the authority to suspend officials who neglect their duties, including sheriffs in Broward and Palm Beach counties who have stated they won't participate. "We must accomplish the deportations," DeSantis said, adding, "President Trump has a mandate. Florida is going to be there working every step of the way." He questioned, "Why would we twiddle our thumbs when we know this is coming? We need to be ready." This move positions Florida to be a partner in carrying out Trump's immigration agenda, contrasting with states like California, which recently allocated $50 million to fight the federal deportation plans.