If budgets are a statement of priorities, Gov. Ron DeSantis in his seventh proposed budget makes clear where his lie. His budget proposal for the 2025-26 fiscal year slots a lot of money to thwart and address illegal immigration, while allocating a relatively modest sum for state’s the criminal justice system.

The veto pledge capped a dramatic few days in which Republican legislators publicly criticized Gov. Ron DeSantis and portrayed themselves as truer allies of President Trump.

Florida lawmakers defied DeSantis and approved their own version of sweeping immigration reforms amid a GOP power struggle.