Worried about a surge in Haitians illegally attempting to enter Florida

I am following the unrest in Haiti and the potential impacts on Florida. I share the concerns of many that there could very likely be a spike in illegal immigration. As chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation subcommittee, I’m committed to ensuring the guardians of our seas have the resources they need to interdict and repatriate those illegally attempting to land on Florida shores. I’ve spoken with the Coast Guard about a possible surge in migration and they have repositioned additional vessels to Florida Straits and surrounding areas.

This wee, I along with representatives Matt Gaetz, Gus Bilirakis, and Anna Paulina Luna sent a letter to President Biden urging him to use his presidential authority to issue a declaration to allow the U.S. Navy to reinforce efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard and State of Florida to conduct maritime interdictions and repatriation of Haitians. 

Legislation developed by my subcommittee last year would increase Coast Guard resources. Last week, we introduced new legislation to authorize additional critical resources for the men and women of the Coast Guard to fulfill their missions.

I’m also thrilled to report that working with Congressman Cory Mills we were able to rescue several constituents who were trapped in Haiti. Thanks to Rep. Mills heroic efforts, these Floridians are safely home. Gov. Ron DeSantis has also deployed additional personnel to the Keys and southern waters in Florida to help stop the potential influx of illegal immigration and launched a portal to help Floridians and their family members in Haiti.

Floridians in Haiti or their family members can let the state know of immediate needs by filling out the questionnaire on the portal at FloridaDisaster.Org/Haiti.

Congressman Daniel Webster represents The Villages in the U.S. House of Representatives.