Democrats in key districts across Florida silent on DeSantis barring entry for Haitian illegals

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Democrats both in key battleground State House districts, along with several other incumbent Democratic representatives, have been quiet on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ efforts to prevent more illegal immigration into Florida.

Specifically, DeSantis had deployed personnel and resources in anticipation of an uptick of illegal Haitian migrants attempting to enter Florida as the island country faces an unstable political environment and internal violence.

Florida’s Voice reached out to three key battleground Democrats who are looking to unseat Republicans in the Florida House this November: Sarah Henry in District 38, Jay Shooster in District 91 and Nate Douglas in District 37.

None of the candidates have responded, despite multiple email and call attempts. The X social media accounts of Henry, Shooster and Douglas also have not commented on the potential danger Florida could face with the situation in Haiti.

Just recently, Florida officials interdicted purported Haitian illegals who were found with weapons and drugs, one prime example of the danger that could be posed to Florida communities.

St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson also warned last week that illegals continue to try to enter from South Florida, but are continuing to be apprehended by state and federal agents.

Florida’s Voice had also tried to contact incumbent Democratic Reps. Lindsay Cross, Tom Keen, Allison Tant and Katherine Waldron multiple times on the issue, to no response.

Not all have been quiet on the issue, though. Rep Anna Eskamani, a Democrat in the Orlando area, has vocally opposed DeSantis’ move.

“More grandstanding,” Eskamani said last week, in response to DeSantis potentially calling a special session to further address illegal migration. “I wish DeSantis gave this kind of attention to property insurance.”

Eskamani also referred to Florida trying to protect communities from potentially armed illegals, such as the example from last month, as “bad policy” because it’s a “federal issue.”

“Florida also has issues with our own everyday safety needs,” she said. “It’s really important that these officials are focused on our state.”

Eskamani called the governor’s efforts as simply a “political agenda” to attack President Joe Biden.

A member of DeSantis’ administration, Christina Pushaw, fired back at Eskamani, pointing out that state resources would not have to get involved if the federal government was “doing its job.”

“Thanks @GovRonDeSantis for doing everything possible to protect the people of Florida when the federal government isn’t,” Pushaw said.