DeSantis Mobilizes State Guard Amid Fears of Haitian Migrant Wave
In response to the deteriorating political and security situation in Haiti, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has activated the Florida State Guard and directed multiple state agencies to reinforce the state's southern coastline. This move is intended to prevent a potential surge in migration from Haiti, as the nation grapples with escalating gang violence and political instability. DeSantis has tasked the Division of Emergency Management, law enforcement agencies, and the Florida State Guard with deploying over 250 officers and soldiers, as well as a variety of air and sea craft, to patrol the region and intercept illegal vessels.
As part of this initiative, known as Operation Vigilant Sentry, the state's assets—including personnel from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida National Guard, and the Florida Highway Patrol—will bolster existing security and surveillance measures. The governor's directive specifically includes the deployment of 133 soldiers to the Florida Keys to aid in these efforts.
The state's preemptive action comes amidst warnings from the Pentagon and U.S. Customs and Border Protection about the possibility of mass migration events from the Caribbean. Governor DeSantis has emphasized the necessity of state intervention to address potential security concerns and protect the state's borders, stating that illegal migrants will not be allowed to enter Florida. The U.S. has also announced plans to allocate an additional $100 million to a multinational effort to counter the ongoing violence in Haiti.
