Patriot Brief
- What Happened: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged congressional Republicans to immediately advance hardline immigration bills to energize voters.
- Why It Matters: DeSantis argues these policies are overwhelmingly popular and would force Democrats into politically damaging votes.
- Bottom Line: The push frames immigration as the central midterm fight Republicans should not dodge.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis just threw down a challenge to congressional Republicans, and it was not subtle. Get tough. Get bold. Put the bills on the floor now.
DeSantis called on GOP leadership to immediately advance a slate of immigration measures he says show massive voter support. Among them are cracking down on remittances, enforcing employment verification, and defunding sanctuary cities. According to DeSantis, these are not fringe ideas. “Our voters support this 80% plus,” he said, arguing Republicans are leaving political points on the table by hesitating.
His message to Capitol Hill Republicans was blunt. Stop playing defense. Force Democrats to vote against policies voters actually want. DeSantis said bold action would energize the base and expose Democrats who oppose enforcement as out of touch with the public.
He also pushed for adding the SAVE Act to the list, framing it as another commonsense measure that would strengthen election integrity and supercharge GOP turnout. DeSantis said stacking these votes would put MAGA in “incredible shape” heading into the midterms.
The governor’s frustration reflects a growing sentiment among Republican voters who want confrontation, not caution. DeSantis argued there is no excuse for delay, no need for study committees, and no benefit in ducking votes on issues where the numbers are already on the GOP’s side.
From where this sits, the message is simple. Republicans can either lead or stall. DeSantis is betting that voters reward action and punish timidity. With midterms approaching, he is daring congressional Republicans to prove they actually want to win.