In response to the flow of migrants into the Florida Keys, Governor Ron DeSantis has announced an executive order engaging the Florida National Guard and ordering other state agencies, mainly law enforcement, to support local government agencies.
The decision was made concerning the illegal entry of 300 aliens on January 1 into Dry Tortugas National Park, which is located roughly 70 miles west of Key West. Due to the tragedy, the National Park was ordered to close so that there would be enough space to accept the rush of migrants. Around 45 illegal immigrants arrived in Key West at the same time.
DeSantis linked the unauthorized entry of migrants into Florida to policies of the Biden administration. DeSantis stated in a statement declaring the executive order on January 6 that “the burden of the Biden administration’s failure lies on local law enforcement who lack the resources to deal with the problem.”
The Governor’s office stated in a written statement that the State of Florida will apply for the order by dispatching air assets, such as helicopters and planes from the Florida National Guard, and by boosting the marine patrol of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to assist water interdictions and maintain the safety of migrants trying to enter Florida through the Florida Straits.
Over 8,000 migrants have been engaged by federal, state, and local law enforcement since August 2022, as per DeSantis’ office.
