Yesterday, the Florida State Legislature made a regrettable decision that undermined President Trump’s agenda and disappointed the people of Florida. To understand the full scope of this betrayal, it’s crucial to examine the context. Before Donald Trump’s inauguration, Governor Ron DeSantis called for a special session of the legislature to assist the federal government in deporting illegal immigrants once Trump took office. The aim was to ensure Florida played its part in protecting the state's borders and implementing stricter immigration laws.

However, when the moment arrived, the Florida Legislature leadership balked. They dismissed the special session, citing that it was too early to act and that special sessions should only be called in rare cases. This was a significant missed opportunity to support President Trump’s immigration policies at a time when the nation was crying out for stronger enforcement measures.

Yet, on the same day, the Florida State Legislature called its own special session. This session was not to support DeSantis’s vision for Florida, but rather to pass a significantly watered-down version of the immigration reform bill that Governor DeSantis had initially proposed. Dubbed the "TRUMP Act," this version is a mere shadow of its predecessor and has raised serious concerns among conservatives and Trump supporters alike.

The "TRUMP Act": What It Really Does

The TRUMP Act, while named to appeal to those who favor stronger immigration laws, actually dilutes many of the critical reforms that Governor DeSantis had pushed for. The Ron DeSantis' bill originally proposed measures like:

• Repealing in-state tuition for illegal immigrants
• Requiring voter registration to verify U.S. citizenship and Florida residency
• Mandating ID verification for individuals sending remittances
• Denying bail for illegal immigrants
• Expanding the state’s power to detain and deport individuals in the country illegally

These measures were designed to strengthen Florida’s position on immigration, ensuring that only legal residents could access state benefits and that those who broke the law could be swiftly detained and deported. Unfortunately, many of these key provisions were stripped away in the final version of the bill.

In place of these critical reforms, the Florida legislature has shifted the focus of the bill and, more controversially, transferred power over immigration policy from the Governor’s office to the Commissioner of Agriculture. This decision raises immediate red flags, as the Commissioner of Agriculture, a position held by Wilton Simpson, has demonstrated a troublingly consistent pro-illegal immigration stance. Simpson supported in-state tuition for illegal immigrants and abstained from votes that would have prevented non-citizens from becoming lawyers in Florida. He helped pass a bill that exempted big agricultural farmers from the E-Verify system. Why would he do that? Well, he is part of big agriculture, which is one of the industries that benefits the most from illegal workers. Thus we have no choice but to assume that the Florida State Legislature would rather keep illegals in the state at the behest of large lobby groups.

This shift is particularly troubling when considering the Commissioner’s ties to industries that benefit from illegal labor, such as large agricultural operations. These industries rely on undocumented workers for cheap labor, and the Commissioner’s stance reflects this industry’s influence. By shifting immigration authority to an individual with clear ties to pro-immigration lobbies, the Florida State Legislature has effectively undermined the Governor’s efforts to enforce stricter immigration laws.

Why This Matters

The Florida State Legislature’s actions reveal a troubling trend: they are more concerned with protecting business interests and lobbyist groups than with defending the interests of Floridians who want stronger borders and more robust immigration enforcement. The agricultural industry, which benefits from illegal immigrant labor, has long exerted significant political influence in Florida, and this shift in policy is likely a direct result of their lobbying efforts.

This decision is not only a betrayal of DeSantis’s vision but also of the people who elected him to implement strong, conservative policies in the state. By opposing common-sense reforms, the legislature has failed to live up to the expectations of Florida's citizens, many of whom are frustrated by the constant influx of illegal immigrants and the strain it places on public resources.

Furthermore, the legislature’s reluctance to pass significant immigration reform is indicative of a larger problem. Florida has long been a state that conservatives look to for leadership on issues like border security and gun rights. However, the state’s inability to pass meaningful reforms, like the watered-down version of E-Verify and the failure to pass true open carry legislation, demonstrates a lack of political will and resolve. These consistent disappointments highlight a dysfunctional legislative body that has failed to rise to the occasion on numerous issues.

A Call for Action: Florida Needs Real Leadership

The time for half-measures and political games is over. Florida deserves a government that will prioritize the needs of its citizens and stand firm against illegal immigration. The state’s leadership must stop bending to the will of lobbyists and industry groups that profit from illegal labor and instead focus on protecting Florida’s working class, ensuring that the state’s immigration policies serve the interests of its legal residents.

Governor DeSantis and President Trump’s vision for Florida—and for America—was always about putting citizens first. This means not only cracking down on illegal immigration but also ensuring that industries that rely on illegal labor do not hold sway over policy decisions. Florida has the potential to lead the nation in strong, conservative immigration reform, but this will only happen if the legislature finds the courage to stand up to powerful special interest groups.

Moving forward, it is crucial that Florida’s citizens hold their representatives accountable. If the state is to continue as a beacon of conservative values, its government must not back down in the face of lobbying pressure. Instead, it must prioritize policies that serve the best interests of Floridians, ensuring that the state remains a safe, prosperous place for legal residents.

Conclusion: The Need for Change

Florida’s state legislature must understand that the times have changed. The people of Florida are demanding stronger borders, a crackdown on illegal immigration, and policies that prioritize the needs of citizens, not corporate interests. The legislature’s failure to stand up for these values is a deep disappointment, but it is not too late for change. Floridians deserve leadership that listens to them and acts in their best interests.