DeSantis Faces GOP Resistance as Special Legislative Session on Immigration Begins in Florida

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is encountering significant resistance from state Republicans as he convenes a special legislative session aimed at addressing immigration issues. Scheduled to begin today, the session has sparked fierce discussion among GOP leaders, with some expressing concerns regarding DeSantis’s previous claims and proposed solutions to the immigration crisis. Prominent figures within the Florida House and Senate are openly criticizing DeSantis, suggesting he has either misread the bill or is being disingenuous concerning its implications. Senate President Kathleen Passidomo has been particularly vocal, stating, ‘We are not in this position because we haven’t been doing our work,’ in response to DeSantis’s recent criticisms that suggested Republican leaders were negligent in dealing with immigration. The proposal has also drawn pointed remarks from House Speaker Paul Renner, who has urged for a more collaborative approach rather than what he perceives as an attempt to shift blame for political gain. This comes amid mounting pressure for Florida Republicans to unify their stance on immigration in light of the upcoming elections and growing concerns from constituents. Stakeholders from various sectors are closely monitoring the outcome of this session, as its implications could ripple through Florida’s political landscape. The session aims to confront policies surrounding illegal immigration, border security, and the broader impacts on local communities—a challenge that DeSantis has campaigned on nationally but is struggling to implement effectively within his own party.