Florida Republicans Urge Biden to Officially Recognize Anticipated Wave of Haitian Migration
The lawmakers are urging President Joe Biden to authorize the U.S. Navy to assist in preventing a potential Haitian invasion.
Republican legislators from Florida have urged President Joe Biden to declare an anticipated mass migration of Haitian aliens en route to the United States amid social unrest in the Caribbean country.
The president’s declaration would allow the U.S. Navy to aid Florida in conducting maritime interdictions and interceptions of Haitian aliens and repatriating them, as outlined in the letter.
The lawmakers also called on President Biden to deploy the necessary assets for maritime interdictions and interceptions of Haitians, repatriating them to Port-au-Prince, the Haitian capital.
This action comes as Haitians seek to escape escalating gang violence, political turmoil, and a humanitarian crisis in their country.
During a House Armed Services Committee hearing, Mr. Gaetz expressed deep concern about a potential wave of migrants from Haiti to Florida, emphasizing the need to prepare for this influx and ensure repatriation to Port au Prince rather than parole into the United States.
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Rebecca Zimmerman, the assistant secretary of defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs, noted that while large-scale maritime migration from Haiti has not been seen yet, the U.S. is prepared for that possibility. She also mentioned additional support approved for the Coast Guard to address this.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced plans to deploy additional officers, soldiers, air and sea vessels to combat illegal immigration from countries like Haiti.
The Governor emphasized Florida’s significant role in supplementing the U.S. Coast Guard’s efforts to interdict illegal migrants.
In a letter to President Biden, they highlighted the danger posed by gang activity and urged for a plan to prevent mass migration from Haiti.
The senators stressed the need to avoid uncontrolled migration that may jeopardize national security and public safety.
Haiti has been in turmoil, with the government declaring a state of emergency as clashes between government forces and criminal gangs escalated.
Approximately half of the country, including 80% of the capital Port-au-Prince, is under the control of heavily armed gangs, according to the International Rescue Commission.
To address the ongoing violence, the United States deployed a team of marines to protect the American embassy, with the U.S. Southern Command enhancing security measures in the capital.
Contributions to this report were made by Aaron Pan and Rachel Acenas.
