DeSantis Takes Action to Address Haitian Migrant Influx off Florida Coast

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis revealed that state law enforcement intercepted a boat carrying Haitian migrants, firearms, drugs, and night vision gear near the Florida coast. This comes amid increased unrest in Haiti, prompting DeSantis to deploy additional personnel and aircraft to the Florida coast. He emphasized that the state has been assisting the Coast Guard with interdicting vessels carrying illegal immigrants and signed three pieces of legislation to deter illegal immigration, including increasing penalties for crimes committed by deported illegal immigrants. The Department of Homeland Security has stated that those interdicted at sea face immediate repatriation, and DeSantis warned that attempting to reach Florida by boat is hazardous and not worth the risk.