Jacques backs plan to send troops to Florida’s shores over potential migrant influx from Haiti

SEMINOLE, Fla. – With gang violence in Haiti spiraling out of control and the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, Rep. Berny Jacques, R-Seminole, affirmed support for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plan to protect Florida’s shores from potential mass migration from the Caribbean country.

“I’ve been in touch with the Governor’s office about the chaos in Haiti and the potential mass migration to our shores as a result; I was pleased to hear that a plan is in place,” Jacques said. “Florida will do everything in its power to protect our border and our citizens here and abroad.”

Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere, has been rocked by civil unrest in recent days. Its capital, Port-au-Prince, is reportedly 80% controlled by 20 powerful gangs, including two coalitions reigning supreme for power.

Jacques, representing District 59, was born in Port-au-Prince. He moved to Florida in 1994 and was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2022.

The G9 Family and Allies, led by Jimmy Cherizier, and Gabriel Jean-Pierre, leader of G-Pep and allied with the 5 Seconds gang, have primarily energized Haiti’s more than 200 gangs.

Cherizier is also considered to be Haiti’s most powerful gang leader.

“It’s the Haitian people who know what they’re going through. It’s the Haitian people who are going to take destiny into their own hands. Haitian people will choose who will govern them,” Chérizier said.

While becoming more independent, Haitian gangs have financed their operations behind kidnapping ransoms to buy weapons, including machine guns and sniper rifles. Their overrun of power has already closed two of Haiti’s international airports and freed more than 4,000 inmates.

In addition, dozens of Haitians have been killed and 15,000 have been left homeless in the turmoil. The dire situation also reportedly may leave four million with acute food insecurity and another one million close to famine.

“Gangs have become stronger and they have the upper hand in terms of security,” said Renata Segura of the International Crisis Group. “This transition is not influencing the day-to-day security of Haiti. We are very concerned.”

DeSantis, with Haiti at a breaking point, ordered 133 Florida State guard soldiers Wednesday to the Florida Keys and Florida’s southern waters to protect against potential migrants feeling from Haiti.

“For quite some time, the state of Florida has been dedicating significant resources to combat illegal vessels coming to Florida from countries such as Haiti,” DeSantis announced. “Given the circumstances in Haiti, I have directed the Division of Emergency Management, the Florida State Guard, and state law enforcement agencies to deploy over 250 additional officers and soldiers and over a dozen air and sea craft to the southern coast of Florida to protect our state.”

Henry, unable to reenter Haiti due to its unrest, recorded his resignation in Puerto Rico.

Notably, Henry assumed power after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Gang leaders, including Cherizier, long also pressured Henry to ultimately resign.

“The government that I’m running cannot remain insensitive in front of this situation. There is no sacrifice that is too big for our country,” Henry said. “The government I’m running will remove itself immediately after the installation of the council.”