MIAMI, United States. – The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, activated the National Guard this Friday to provide support to local forces, given the massive influx of mainly Cuban migrants to the Florida Keys.
In accordance with a statement of the Government of Florida, DeSantis signed Executive Order 23-03 (Emergency Management – Illegal Migration), which activates the Florida National Guard and directs state law enforcement agencies to support local governments in preventing further landings of migrants on the state’s coasts.
“As the negative impacts of Biden’s immigration policies continue unabated, the Administration’s failure lies with local law enforcement, which lacks the resources to deal with the crisis,” DeSantis said.
“That’s why I’m activating the National Guard and directing state resources to help ease the pressure on local resources. As long as Biden continues to ignore his legal responsibilities, we will step in to support our communities,” she added.
According to the Florida government, “it is particularly burdensome for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, which has 194 officers, to dedicate the necessary resources to managing the movement of hundreds of migrants while ensuring adequate public safety.”
“The Biden administration’s response has been inept, failing to provide the necessary resources to respond to the current mass migration event. Instead, the burden falls on local police, putting Floridians at risk,” lamented the state government.
Additionally, the press release notes that Florida will deploy air assets, including Florida National Guard planes and helicopters; and will bolster the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s marine patrol to support on-water operations and ensure the safety of migrants attempting to reach the state through the Florida Straits.
“Florida has a long history of helping refugees, including Cubans and others fleeing communist regimes, find support after they arrive in the United States; however, this has always implied the support of the federal government and a great coordinated effort between the states, federal and local, “says the statement.
On January 1, 2023, approximately 300 Cuban rafters illegally entered Dry Tortugas National Park, located about 70 miles west of Key West.
“This massive influx of illegal immigrants caused the park to close to ensure the safety of visitors and staff, and to provide the necessary space to serve illegal immigrants. Since August 2022, federal, state, and local law enforcement have encountered more than 8,000 migrants in the waters off the Florida coast,” the government recalled.
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