Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made no bones about removing certain state officials if they refuse to cooperate with President-elect Donald Trump and his administration’s efforts to enforce the nation’s immigration laws, including deportations starting with migrants who have committed crimes.
DeSantis’ remarks come ahead of a special legislative session he has called that will begin Jan. 27 specifically to take up immigration enforcement-related issues, Florida Politics reported on Monday.
“If those duties are clear in law, I have the authority, with respect to certain officials, to suspend them from their office if they are neglecting their duties, and that’s it,” he said of removing state attorneys and even county sheriffs if they refuse to comply. “That’s an authority that I have invoked when it’s been appropriate in the past.”
The Republican governor expressed a desire for policies to be implemented swiftly after Trump takes office on January 20. Trump, who ran on an immigration and border security enforcement platform, has promised to initiate mass deportations promptly once in office.
“We are going to see a sea change in policies, particularly with respect to the border and illegal immigration,” DeSantis said.
“This is an issue that has been festering in this country for many, many decades. Although the first Trump administration was much more successful than others have been, this is the time to get it right once and for all. And so the state of Florida stands ready, willing and able to be able to help facilitate these policies that will benefit Floridians and benefit the American people.”
