Florida legislators (U.S.) met in a special legislative session called by themselves at the state Capitol to discuss their own immigration bill, amid conflicts with the state governor, Republican Ron DeSantis. This meeting took place a week after Donald Trump began his second term, which includes promises to tighten immigration policies and conduct "mass deportations."
During the first week of Trump's term, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted at least 2,382 arrests of undocumented immigrants and issued 1,797 warrants for those who could be deported. On Sunday alone, there were 965 arrests and 554 warrants issued, a daily record according to ICE data.
In these raids, a Nicaraguan was arrested on charges of aggravated assault, illegal possession of weapons, among other crimes. The Florida legislative session will discuss topics such as the creation of a database of "law-abiding Floridians" who send money abroad, in addition to the designation of Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson as the new head of immigration matters.
The state Senate President, Ben Albritton, disagreed with some of DeSantis's proposals, such as imposing criminal penalties on law enforcement agents who do not fulfill immigration responsibilities. Albritton advocated for an approach that does not generate headlines but fosters constructive dialogue to develop effective ideas.
For his part, the President of the state House of Representatives, Daniel Pérez, emphasized the importance of meaningful conversations in the legislative process. Amid this extraordinary session, immigration and other relevant issues in Florida will be addressed. The Florida Legislature is set to begin its regular session in March.
