Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a massive deployment along the state's southern coast in an unprecedented move.
Over 250 officers, soldiers, and various air and sea crafts have been mobilized to deter Haitian asylum seekers from entering Florida amidst Haiti's worsening turmoil, Daily Mail reported.
Governor Ron DeSantis made this announcement on Wednesday, stressing the effort to 'protect' Florida's shores from incoming vessels carrying Haitian asylum seekers. This decision comes during a period of escalated unrest in Haiti, which has now persisted into its second week.
DeSantis emphasizes protection and resources in recent deployment
The unrest in Haiti has only intensified, with political instability reaching a boiling point, leading to the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Governor DeSantis, in response to these events and to safeguard Florida, has directed a significant increase in security measures along the southern coast.
Governor Ron DeSantis articulated the gravity of the situation and the state's proactive stance.
For quite some time, the State of Florida has been dedicating significant resources to combat illegal vessels coming to Florida from countries such as Haiti. Given the circumstances in Haiti, I have directed the Division of Emergency Management, the Florida State Guard, and state law enforcement agencies to deploy over 250 additional officers and soldiers and over a dozen air and seacrafts to the southern coast of Florida. We cannot have illegal aliens coming to Florida.
The deployment encompasses 48 National Guardsmen, four helicopters, 39 officers from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 30 from the Florida Highway Patrol, 23 from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, additional aircraft and drones, and eight boats.
International concern grows as Haiti's instability escalates
This forceful stance by Governor DeSantis follows the U.S. Marines' deployment to Haiti to ensure the safety of the U.S. embassy amid surging gang violence.
DeSantis has also pointed out Florida's continued efforts to prevent illegal entry from not just Haiti but also countries like Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, citing the meager resources of the U.S. Coast Guard, which the state aims to bolster with this deployment.
Recent events saw the U.S. Coast Guard repatriating 65 Haitian asylum seekers found in distress, highlighting the ongoing crisis.
Prime Minister's resignation shakes Haiti amid gang pressures
The violence in Haiti persisted, even compelling Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign, a move triggered by gang pressures and following an emergency summit by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to deliberate on the violence.
Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali commented, "We acknowledge his resignation upon the establishment of a transitional presidential council and naming of an interim prime minister," illustrating regional concerns over Haiti's future.
The international community watches closely with Henry stranded in Puerto Rico due to safety concerns after being deemed unsafe to land in the Dominican Republic.
Conclusion
The deployment directed by Governor Ron DeSantis is a significant gesture towards securing Florida's coast against the backdrop of Haiti's deepening crisis.
The addition of over 250 officers, soldiers, and a combination of air and sea crafts underscores the state's determination to mitigate any potential impact from Haiti's unrest and to support national efforts in managing the borders effectively.
As Haiti's political landscape continues to deteriorate, the implications for regional stability and international diplomacy are substantial, prompting widespread attention and concern.
