The Florida Legislature is meeting in special session this week — but only on the issue of illegal immigration. In doing so, legislative leaders are openly defying Gov. Ron DeSantis’ attempts to bend lawmakers to his will – and his ability to control the discussion.

"Just like all the immigration bills we passed, it isn't a silver bullet, but we're moving the ball forward, and we have to support the president."

I’m not going to take lectures from someone who a year ago didn’t think Donald Trump should be president,” said state Sen. Randy Fine.

Ron DeSantis Monday, rejecting his special session ... Only one lawmaker, DeSantis ally Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, voted against the override. Legislative pushback unusual in Florida ...

Florida’s Republican-controlled Legislature passed a plan that includes boosting criminal penalties for undocumented immigrants.

Ron DeSantis’ waning influence was exposed Monday when Florida Republicans rejected a special legislative session he called to address illegal immigration. The Florida legislature, which infamously operated at DeSantis’ behest in recent years,

Florida does not need to “duplicate the functions of U.S. Immigration and Customs and create a mini-me version of ICE,” said House Speaker Daniel Perez.

In a stunning move, the GOP-led Florida Legislature on Monday rebuffed a push by Gov. Ron DeSantis to pass a slew of bills on immigration.

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida House and Senate openly rebuked Gov. Ron DeSantis’ call for a special session on immigration Monday by defiantly rejecting his slate of bills, then adjourning and immediately regrouping to consider alternative legislation approved by their leaders.