Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency due to the influx of “unauthorized aliens” that are flooding America by illegally crossing the border.
Gov. DeSantis issued an executive order in response that calls for activating the Florida National Guard.
DeSantis said in a statement that the measures are necessary to handle the emergency.
“Because of the foregoing conditions, I hereby find that the migration of unauthorized aliens to the State of Florida is likely to constitute a major disaster,” the governor’s executive order declares.
“I, therefore, declare that a state of emergency exists in the State of Florida.
“I order the Adjutant General to activate the Florida National Guard, as needed, to deal with this emergency.”
The move comes as massive numbers of immigrants continue to inundate America’s southern border.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is reporting massive numbers of southwest land border encounters month after month.
Florida has been experiencing immigrants arriving by water.
“During the past 24 hours, Border Patrol agents & LE partners responded to 5 migrant landings & encountered 90 Cuban migrants in the Florida Keys,” U.S. Border Patrol Miami Sector Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar tweeted on Friday.
“The migrants arrived on rustic vessels & residents notified local authorities.”
During the past 24 hours, Border Patrol agents & LE partners responded to 5 migrant landings & encountered 90 Cuban migrants in the Florida Keys. The migrants arrived on rustic vessels & residents notified local authorities. #fridaymorning #bordersecurity #cuba #flkeys #cbp pic.twitter.com/0u4myMZrK6
— Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar (@USBPChiefMIP) January 6, 2023
Dry Tortugas National Park, which is to the west of Key West, Florida, was recently closed to public access because of immigrants arriving there.
It is slated to reopen on January 8, however.
Earlier today, the migrants were safely turned over to Border Patrol custody. We will continue to work alongside our interagency partners to apply the appropriate care & ensure the humane processing of these individuals, consistent with our laws. #Breaking #Update #Cuba #CBP https://t.co/2k1SNF4sOv
— Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar (@USBPChiefMIP) January 5, 2023
DeSantis was recently sworn in for his second term as Florida’s governor.
“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, according to a press release.
“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.”
