Mon Feb 03 13:10:00 UTC 2025: ## DeSantis and Florida Legislature Clash Over School Immigration Enforcement

**Tallahassee, FL** – A newly passed Florida immigration bill, which mandates state employee cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, is causing friction between Governor Ron DeSantis and the Republican-controlled legislature. While DeSantis plans to veto the bill due to disagreements over its scope, he supports the concept of immigration enforcement in schools, aligning with the Trump administration’s stance.

The bill requires various government employees, including teachers, social workers, and campus safety officers, to cooperate “to the fullest extent possible” with federal immigration authorities. The exact nature of this cooperation remains unclear, sparking concerns among Democrats who argue schools should be safe havens. Republicans maintain that cooperation entails truthfully answering questions during investigations.

The ambiguity extends to the potential for reporting students to ICE, a scenario that worries Democrats given federal laws prohibiting schools from inquiring about immigration status during enrollment. While Trump administration officials have suggested a case-by-case approach to school raids, prioritizing national security threats, the possibility of such actions has prompted Florida schools to prepare guidelines for handling federal agents on campus.

Democrats unsuccessfully attempted to amend the bill to exclude schools and churches, mirroring protections previously established by the Biden administration and later rescinded by the Trump administration. Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith stated that the Trump administration’s reversal suggests a plan for increased enforcement in sensitive locations.

Despite the ongoing dispute, Governor DeSantis reaffirmed his commitment to assisting federal immigration enforcement, including potential arrests in schools, emphasizing that the specifics will depend on the federal government’s approach. The bill’s future remains uncertain pending DeSantis’ veto and any potential subsequent legislative action.

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