In a move that could make even the most seasoned political observers do a double-take, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has called for a special legislative session to implement President-elect Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Yes, you heard that right. DeSantis is so eager to align with Trump’s agenda that he’s summoning lawmakers back to Tallahassee ahead of schedule, as if the regular session just isn’t urgent enough for his liking.

The governor announced this special session with the kind of urgency usually reserved for hurricane evacuations, emphasizing the need to act swiftly to support the incoming administration’s anticipated executive orders on immigration. DeSantis envisions Florida as the frontline state in enforcing Trump’s policies, proposing measures like increased funding for local law enforcement to detain undocumented immigrants and even the potential activation of the Florida National Guard to assist in these efforts. It’s as if he’s preparing for an invasion, rather than addressing a complex social issue.

However, not everyone is on board with DeSantis’s expedited timeline. Republican leaders in the state legislature, including House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton, have expressed reservations, labeling the special session as premature and irresponsible. They argue that without clear guidance from the federal government, rushing into state-level legislation could lead to missteps and unintended consequences. It’s a rare moment when fellow Republicans are the voices of caution, urging the governor to pump the brakes.

DeSantis’s proposals don’t stop at law enforcement measures. He’s also targeting policies that he believes incentivize illegal immigration, such as repealing in-state tuition for undocumented students. This move would overturn a law that allows certain undocumented students to pay the same tuition rates as Florida residents, a policy that has enabled many young immigrants to pursue higher education. Critics argue that rescinding this benefit would punish students who have grown up in Florida and contribute to the state’s economy, effectively slamming the door on their aspirations.

The governor’s aggressive stance on immigration is not entirely surprising, given his track record. In 2019, DeSantis signed a bill banning sanctuary cities in Florida, despite the fact that no such cities officially existed in the state at the time. It was a solution in search of a problem, but it played well with a base that thrives on tough talk about immigration enforcement. Now, with Trump’s return to the White House imminent, DeSantis seems determined to outdo himself in demonstrating loyalty to the president-elect’s hardline policies.

Meanwhile, Democratic leaders in Florida have criticized the governor’s focus on immigration, accusing him of political posturing at the expense of addressing more pressing state issues like property insurance reform and the rising cost of living. They argue that the special session is a distraction, a way for DeSantis to score political points with the national GOP rather than serving the immediate needs of Floridians. It’s a classic case of playing to the crowd, with the governor eyeing a broader stage.

As the special session approaches, all eyes will be on Tallahassee to see whether DeSantis can rally the legislature to his cause or if his fellow Republicans will push back against what they perceive as a hasty and ill-conceived initiative. One thing is certain: in the theater of Florida politics, the drama is never in short supply, and Governor DeSantis is more than willing to play the leading role, script in hand, ready to deliver his lines with conviction.