Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order activating the Florida National Guard to assist with the “alarming influx of migrants landing in the Florida Keys” and to aid in efforts to prevent additional landings along the Florida Keys.
The order also directs state law enforcement agencies and other state agencies to provide resources to support local government in responding to the sharp increase in migrant landings in South Florida. The majority of the migrants are fleeing Cuba and other Caribbean nations.
“As the negative impacts of Biden’s lawless immigration policies continue unabated, the burden of the Biden administration’s failure falls on local law enforcement who lack the resources to deal with the crisis,” DeSantis said. “That is why I am activating the National Guard and directing state resources to help alleviate the strain on local resources. When Biden continues to ignore his legal responsibilities, we will step in to support our communities.”
According to a news release, the state will “will deploy air assets, including airplanes and helicopters from the Florida National Guard, and will bolster Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission marine patrol to support water interdictions and ensure the safety of migrants attempting to reach Florida through the Florida Straits.”
DeSantis’ move comes after the Coast Guard picked up over 300 migrants at Dry Tortugas National Park, the park is 70 miles west of Key West, on Wednesday and transported them to Key West on Thursday. Seven chartered buses were needed to take them to U.S. Border Patrol stations.
The Park Service was forced to close the park after hundreds of migrants arrived at the islands over the New Year’s weekend. The park will reopen its doors to residents and visitors on January 8.
