Florida Sends 800 Soldiers, 300 Law Enforcement Officers To Help Secure U.S. Border In Texas
Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida made an announcement on Tuesday, expressing his intention to provide support to Governor Greg Abbott of Texas in addressing the crisis of illegal immigration caused by President Joe Biden's policies on the southern border.
The decision to send over 1,100 assets to Texas comes in the wake of an alarming number of approximately 83,000 illegal border crossings in the previous week, marking the highest recorded figure in the history of the United States. These numbers demonstrate the negative consequences of the Biden administration's approach to border security and the termination of Title 42.
In a statement, Governor DeSantis emphasized that the impact of the border crisis extends beyond Texas, affecting communities throughout the nation. He further criticized the federal government for neglecting its duty, which undermines the sovereignty of the country and the rule of law. Consequently, at his direction, various state agencies, including law enforcement and the Florida National Guard, are being deployed to Texas with an array of resources such as personnel, boats, and planes. Florida stands ready to provide assistance while President Biden ignores the crisis he created.
The resources being dispatched to Texas from Florida consist of 800 soldiers from the Florida National Guard, 101 troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol, 200 officers from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 20 officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 20 emergency management personnel, 17 unmanned aerial vehicles with support teams, 10 vessels, five fixed-wing aircraft equipped with monitoring equipment and downlink capabilities, two aviation crew teams, and two mobile command vehicles with command teams.
During a press conference, Governor DeSantis highlighted the significance of upholding the rule of law and maintaining sovereignty within the country. He mentioned obtaining injunctions to prevent mass releases and affirmed the state's commitment to address the border issue, including prior assistance offered to Texas. The governor's firm stance underscores the importance of prioritizing the interests of American citizens and safeguarding the nation's security.
Despite claims by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas that illegal border crossings have decreased, Governor DeSantis expressed concern about the gravity of the situation at the southern border. He warned that it may soon become significantly worse, contradicting the administration's narrative.
As Governor DeSantis prepares to launch a presidential campaign, he expressed his support for completing the border wall initiated by former President Trump. While the Trump administration did construct 450 miles of border wall, the majority of that constituted replacement barriers. Only 85 miles of new border wall were built in areas lacking previous barriers, according to information from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cited by the Trump campaign.
Governor DeSantis stressed the necessity of closing the border and constructing a wall to address the ongoing issues. He also advocated for a straightforward policy: individuals who cross the border illegally should be promptly returned without the delay of a court appearance years later.
This common-sense approach aims to serve as a deterrent against illegal immigration, a critical aspect in combating the current crisis. Furthermore, Governor DeSantis highlighted the urgent need to address the influx of fentanyl into the country, primarily facilitated by Mexican drug cartels. These criminal organizations must be held accountable to prevent unnecessary loss of life and protect American citizens.