Florida - Friday January 6, 2023: Governor DeSantis signed an Executive Order Friday activating the Florida National Guard to support efforts preventing further migrant landings on Florida’s shores.
Executive Order 23-03, Emergency Management – Illegal Migration, directs state law enforcement agencies and other state agencies to provide resources in support of local governments who are facing what the Governor says is an "alarming influx of migrants landing in the Florida Keys."
The problem has been particularly burdensome for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office which patrols the Keys. The MCSO has 194 deputies who have to manage the movement of hundreds of migrants while also ensuring adequate public safety.
On January 1, 2023, approximately 300 illegal aliens unlawfully entered Dry Tortugas National Park, located about 70 miles west of Key West, with an additional 45 illegal aliens entering Key West. This massive influx of illegal immigrants caused the park to close to ensure the safety of visitors and staff and to provide the space necessary to attend to the illegal immigrants.
The Governor accuses the Biden Administration’s response of being inept and failing to provide the resources necessary to respond to the current mass migration event.
"That is why I am activating the National Guard and directing state resources to help alleviate the strain on local resources," said the Governor in a news release. "When Biden continues to ignore his legal responsibilities, we will step in to support our communities.”
The State of Florida will deploy air assets, including airplanes and helicopters from the Florida National Guard, and will bolster Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission marine patrol to support water interdictions and ensure the safety of migrants attempting to reach Florida through the Florida Straits.
Since August 2022, federal, state and local law enforcement have encountered more than 8,000 migrants in waters off the coast of Florida.