DeSantis Calls Special Session on Immigration

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has called for a special legislative session starting the week of January 27 to align the state's immigration policies with President-elect Trump's planned crackdown on illegal immigration. However, state Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez have pushed back, labeling the call for a special session as 'premature,' asserting that the legislature will address these issues during the regular session beginning March 4. DeSantis emphasized the need for legislation to impose additional duties on local officials to aid in enforcing immigration laws and proposed funding for local law enforcement. In addition to immigration reforms, the special session will also address changes to the citizen petition process, aimed at preventing fraudulent initiatives similar to those that sought to legalize marijuana and abortion. Critics of the governor's push argue that the legislature should wait for more specific guidance from Trump before taking action. The tensions reflect broader challenges in coordinating state and federal agendas on contentious issues such as immigration.