(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Thursday that he is ordering reinforcements from the Sunshine State to the southern border.
During a news conference Thursday, DeSantis said Florida will be fortifying its presence along the southern border by providing a battalion of the Florida National Guard, as well as a deployment of the Florida State Guard, the first time this organization has been used outside the Sunshine State.
DeSantis stated that after Biden took office, he opened the border, signed several executive orders to weaken border security, and invited people to come in. When illegal border crossing began to increase, Florida sent help to Texas to patrol and secure its border while the federal government worked against them.
"We stepped up all the way back in 2021, and we've had people on the ground there since 2021. We've had the National Guard, we've had Highway Patrol, Fish & Wildlife, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, you name it, they have been there and they have made a big big difference." DeSantis said.
DeSantis stated that an officer from FHP had reported that while at the southern border, they had stopped people from Iran and Morocco attempting to cross the border illegally. He also added that an illegal migrant from Mexico recently apprehended that was wanted for capital murder in the Houston area.
"This is not a new mission for us. For several years we have supported border security missions in Texas, to include both federal and state deployments," said Maj. Gen. John D. Haas, the Adjutant General of Florida. "Last spring the Florida National Guard was one of the first in the nation to deploy rotations of soldiers to support Operation Lone Star in Texas, and we have proudly and readily supported our own state's efforts in similar roles here in Florida."
DeSantis stated that Florida has done a range of things to discourage illegal migrants coming to the Sunshine State, including banning local governments and non-government organizations from issuing ID cards to illegal aliens.
"We've signed strong legislation to protect Floridians against illegal immigration, including banning sanctuary cities… Having E-Verify for employers… increasing penalties for human trafficking and human smuggling," DeSantis said.
DeSantis noted that this migrant crisis comes at a cost, not only is it affecting the nation monetarily, but the fentanyl that is coming across the border is also destroying many lives and communities.
"Biden has the authority to close this border today if he wanted to. He lacks the will to get the job done. He lacks the capacity to see the problem for what it is, and to get the job done…The American people are basically left scrambling." DeSantis said.
DeSantis stated that deploying Florida troops will help Texas fortify the border, help strengthen barricades and help add barriers.
"We can stop this invasion once and for all," DeSantis said.