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Governor DeSantis Implements Trump’s Immigration Orders, Disney Guest Count to Shrink

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is headed for an unusual clash with state legislative leaders as the Legislature convenes a special session Monday. The session, called unilaterally by DeSantis, focuses on supporting former President Donald Trump’s aggressive push to deport unauthorized immigrants.

Ron DeSantis in a suit gives a thumbs-up gesture with a serious expression. He stands in front of a sign that reads "Magic Kingdom," with a blue sky and flags visible in the background at Disney World.
Credit: Disney Fanatic

This marks the first time DeSantis has independently called a special session without the prior cooperation of legislative leaders, sparking discontent among lawmakers. Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez, both Republicans, expressed frustration over the governor’s unilateral decision, noting the inconvenience to legislators and the lack of clarity about the session’s agenda.

In an email sent to legislators, Albritton and Perez said, “Please ensure your travel arrangements allow for your attendance. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our offices.” However, no bills had been filed for the session as of Friday, leaving lawmakers in the dark about what to expect.

A Battle Over Legislative Authority

A bronze statue of a man holding hands with a mouse character stands in front of a castle with blue spires and pink walls at Disney World. The castle and statue are part of the theme park, framed by clear blue skies in the background.
Credit: Disney

DeSantis’ move has been described by some lawmakers as a challenge to the separation of powers between the governor and the Legislature. Republican Senator Randy Fine criticized the governor’s tactics, saying, “I respect [legislative leaders] holding their cards close to their vest, given the governor is acting so atrociously. After six years, he has no understanding of how the Legislature works.”

During Trump’s presidency, he called for the “mass deportation” of the 11 million undocumented individuals estimated to reside in the U.S. Florida, home to approximately 1.2 million undocumented immigrants, ranks third in the nation for its undocumented population. While Florida’s Republican-controlled Legislature has historically supported stricter immigration measures, Albritton and Perez have described DeSantis’ push as “premature” and “irresponsible,” arguing that the matter could wait until the regular legislative session beginning March 4.

DeSantis’ Pressure Campaign

Adam Laxalt Disney District payday leave DeSantis PAC
Credit: Gage Skidmore, Flickr

In response to legislative resistance, DeSantis has escalated efforts to force action. He hosted a virtual meeting with Republican executive committees across the state and sent mass text messages urging voters to pressure their legislators to act. “That would be very hazardous politically for those members to do that,” DeSantis warned during a press conference, referencing the possibility of lawmakers adjourning the session without taking action.

DeSantis’ agenda includes compelling local law enforcement and officials to assist with deportation efforts. This aligns with a recent executive order from Trump, which threatens legal consequences for state and local officials who resist federal deportation plans.

While the governor’s authority allows him to call special sessions, the Legislature controls what happens once it convenes. Lawmakers could adjourn without action or consider filed bills.

Turmoil in Tourism: Implications for Florida’s Visitors

Disney Board gives another no-bid contract to DeSantis ally
Credit: Disney/ Gage Skidmore, Flickr

As the governor of Florida, one of the nation’s most tourism-heavy states, DeSantis’ immigration stance has the potential to negatively impact the state’s reputation among international visitors. With Walt Disney World in Orlando serving as a global destination, some guests may feel unwelcome or unsafe due to heightened political tensions surrounding immigration.

Florida’s tourism industry thrives on its reputation as a family-friendly destination that caters to visitors from all walks of life. Critics argue that the governor’s hardline approach to immigration could alienate immigrant families and international tourists, sending a message that contradicts the inclusive environment promoted by attractions like Disney World.

DeSantis vs. Disney: An Ongoing Feud

DeSantis, Iger, and Cinderella's Castle
Credit: Disney/Gage Skidmore, Flickr/Canva

The immigration debate comes amidst a prolonged battle between DeSantis and The Walt Disney Company. The feud began when Disney publicly opposed Florida’s controversial “Parental Rights in Education” bill, dubbed by critics as the “Don’t Say Gay” law. In retaliation, DeSantis led an effort to dismantle Disney’s special taxing district, the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which had allowed the company to self-govern in Central Florida since the 1960s.

Disney responded with a lawsuit alleging that DeSantis was weaponizing government powers to retaliate against the company’s protected speech. The legal and political battle has left both parties entrenched in a standoff, with broader implications for businesses operating in Florida.

This ongoing tension could further deter potential visitors who feel conflicted about supporting a state embroiled in such divisive politics. Disney, as one of Florida’s largest employers and economic drivers, has also faced challenges navigating its relationship with the state government while maintaining its inclusive branding.

Republican Infighting

Meanwhile, the special session has exposed fractures within Florida’s Republican Party. Senator Randy Fine, who is running for a congressional seat, accused DeSantis of using the session to curry favor with Trump. Fine expressed frustration over the governor’s implication that lawmakers who oppose the session are “soft” on immigration. “I didn’t appreciate DeSantis making other Republicans out to be less than conservative under the banner of the Republican Party of Florida,” he said.

Fine, who has supported measures to restrict benefits for undocumented students, called the special session “a colossal mistake” and criticized its timing, as it disrupts lawmakers’ ability to prepare for the regular session and engage with constituents.

A High-Stakes Week

desantis disney retaliation
Credit: Disney Fanatic

As lawmakers prepare to convene in Tallahassee, the stakes are high for both DeSantis and the Legislature. Past governors have called special sessions with mixed results, but DeSantis’ aggressive tactics suggest he is willing to repeatedly call lawmakers back until his demands are met. Whether the Legislature chooses to act or adjourn without action remains to be seen, but the outcome will undoubtedly have political ramifications for all involved.

Alessia Dunn

Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

2 Comments

  1. THANK YOU GOVERNOR DESANTIS FOR ELIMINATING ILLEGALS FROM FLORIDA PERIOD
    IS THE LAW AND THEY ARE ILLEGAL AND NEED TO GET OUT OF AMERICA

  2. Thanks for the encouraging news. I always love lower numbers at WDW. The problem with your premise is that people actually care about Florida’s politics when they plan a vacation. I might argue that people would feel safer with the worst first policy for deportations.

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