Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday that Andrew and Tristan Tate, the influencer brothers facing charges in Romania for human trafficking and sex with a minor, are not welcome in the state. However, he acknowledged Florida has no authority to stop them from entering.

The brothers, both U.S. and U.K. citizens, landed in Fort Lauderdale after Romania lifted their travel ban. “Florida is not a place where you’re welcome with that type of conduct,” DeSantis said, adding that Florida’s attorney general, James Uthmeier, was reviewing legal options, though it is ultimately a federal issue.

Upon arrival, Andrew Tate defended himself, stating, “We live in a democratic society where it’s innocent until proven guilty. We have no criminal record anywhere on the planet.” He claimed they were allowed to leave Romania due to “no active indictment” preventing them from returning to the U.S.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Their attorney, Joseph McBride, dismissed DeSantis’ remarks, calling him “Trump-hating” and arguing the Tates had every legal right to be in Florida. He also revealed the brothers had filed a defamation lawsuit against those accusing them of human trafficking. McBride stated the brothers would return to Romania in late March to meet with prosecutors before coming back to the U.S., emphasizing their confidence under Donald Trump’s presidency.

President Trump responded to questions about the Tates’ arrival by saying, “I just know nothing about it. We’ll check it out.” U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, visiting the White House, called human trafficking a security risk and said he would also look into the situation. A senior Trump administration official declined to comment but noted the White House was monitoring developments.

A British attorney for the alleged victims said his clients were “dismayed” to learn the Tates were in the U.S., fearing they would never face prosecution. The brothers left Romania while still under investigation for forming an organized criminal group, human trafficking, sex crimes, and money laundering. They have denied all allegations.

Romanian prosecutors approved their request to leave the country but stated that judicial control measures remain in place.