Blue state GOP chair unleashes on governor for ‘grandstanding’ with special demand of Trump admin

In a rare public dispute within the Republican Party, Florida GOP Chairman Joe Gruters has openly criticized Governor Ron DeSantis for his handling of the Trump administration’s recent immigration plan. The administration announced intentions to relocate up to 1,000 migrants per month to Florida’s Broward and Palm Beach counties, a move that has sparked controversy and concern among state

Gruters, who also serves as a state senator from Sarasota and has been a steadfast ally of President Trump, expressed his disapproval of the plan, stating, “We are not supportive of the decision.” He echoed sentiments from other state leaders, emphasizing that Florida lacks the resources to manage such an influx and that the state was not informed in advance about the federal government’s intentions.

Governor DeSantis, known for his close alignment with President Trump, also expressed surprise and concern over the proposal. His administration indicated that they were not notified about the decision beforehand, leading to a scramble for information and resources to address the potential impact on local communities.

The proposed plan involves transporting migrants from the southern U.S. border to Florida, with officials in Broward and Palm Beach counties being informed that up to 500 undocumented immigrants per month could arrive in each county starting next month. This announcement has raised alarms among local officials, who are concerned about the logistical and financial challenges of accommodating the new arrivals.

Senator Marco Rubio has also sought clarity on the administration’s proposal, sending a letter to the acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan. In his correspondence, Rubio posed several questions regarding the transportation logistics, rationale behind the decision, the selection process for the affected counties, and the overall impact on Florida’s communities.

Sheriff William Snyder of Martin County, a neighboring area that could be indirectly affected, shared his concerns about public safety and community preparedness. He highlighted the challenges of integrating a significant number of individuals whose initial entry into the U.S. was unauthorized, emphasizing potential law enforcement implications.

This internal GOP disagreement underscores the complexities and challenges state leaders face when federal immigration policies directly impact their constituencies. As the situation develops, Florida officials are seeking more information and resources to effectively address the potential arrival of migrants and ensure the well-being of all residents.