Ron DeSantis mulls Haitian migrant flight to Martha’s Vineyard
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis said on Tuesday that migrants from Haiti finding their way into Florida’s territory could soon find themselves in a luxurious sanctuary far north.
DeSantis spoke on The First with Dana Loesch about his efforts to quell illegal migration into Florida, especially amid his administration’s preparations for the potential for an uptick in Haitian migrants. The island country has been facing increased violence and political turmoil.
“We do have our transport program, also – that’s gonna be operational,” DeSantis said. “Haitians land in the Florida Keys – their next stop very well may be Martha’s Vineyard.”
DeSantis originally ordered flights to Martha’s Vineyard in 2022, garnering national attention.
Lawmakers have approved millions over the past couple years to fund the program orchestrating the flights.
Last week, the governor sent troops, personnel and other resources to southern Florida to proactively guard against a theoretical Haitian migrant “invasion.”
“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.
Florida also recently interdicted alleged Haitian illegals who had firearms, drugs and night vision equipment.
“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,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis’ administration also casted blame on the Biden administration for illegal migrants feeling “empowered” to intrude on American soil. The state described the current situation as fending off a potential “invasion.”
