Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis told Fox News on Friday that state officials are preparing for a possible influx of Haitian migrants fleeing the unrest gripping the Caribbean nation.
In a separate incident, DeSantis told “Hannity” that a boat containing 25 Haitians, firearms, “night vision equipment” and drugs was seized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Those on board the ship were reportedly transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard to begin deportation proceedings.
After host Sean Hannity pointed out that the state has committed resources to protect Florida from boat seizures and a possible influx of Haitian immigrants, DeSantis said, “We are taking steps in Florida.” I’m uploading it and doing what I have to do.” He did not wait for action or support from the Biden administration.
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“We don’t necessarily think we’re going to get the kind of help that we think we’re entitled to. And what we’ve found in the last few years is the Coast Guard. They’re doing a good job. They just don’t have the resources.”[d]. Biden will not provide the number of ships needed to stop all the ships coming,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis said His state agency stopped 660 ships and 13,580 illegal immigrants, mostly from Caribbean countries.
”[W]“Our coastline has never been more protected,” he said.[W]They intercepted a boat carrying 25 Haitians who were trying to come illegally with guns and drugs. ”
The governor emphasized that Florida has not yet seen a large influx of boats from Haiti and attributed this to Florida’s deterrence strategy.
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“I think part of the reason is that people know that if they make that trip, they’re going to get stopped and end up going back to where they started. So it’s just not worth it.”
DeSantis also said that part of the reason a large-scale maritime incursion hasn’t happened is that under President Biden’s auspices, the U.S.-Mexico border is so porous that even people from island nations cannot travel by land. I speculated that this is because it is much easier to enter the United States.
Recalling his press conference earlier Friday, DeSantis said he was asked why he was taking such preparatory actions when there are no signs of a population surge in Haiti.
“I said, what should I do, wait for it to happen?”
“That’s why we’re putting assets in place to protect our nation.”
Haiti has been in turmoil in recent days after Acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry fled the country for Puerto Rico this week, according to Reuters. Henry took office in 2021, shortly after then-Prime Minister Jovenel Moïse was assassinated.
The streets of the capital Port-au-Prince are rife with gang violence, largely led by a deadly slumlord nicknamed “Barbeque.”
