Scott Addresses Cuba's 'Weaponizing' of U.S. Immigration System

Despite the fact that the majority of the attention concerning border security is directed towards the U.S. southern border, Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) held a press conference to address Florida’s own illegal immigration problem. Alongside U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Brendan McPherson, Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay, and Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Air and Marine Operations, Sen. Scott addressed the notion that all states are dealing with the effects of President Joe Biden (D) and his administration’s approach to illegal migration.

In Florida specifically, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) recently deployed the Florida National Guard in order to combat the influx of illegal immigrants coming from Cuba by the thousands. DeSantis claims that they are not receiving help from the federal level, leaving local law enforcement spread thin.

"Florida has a long history of helping refugees, including Cubans and others fleeing communist regimes, find support after they arrive in the United States, however, this has always involved support from the Federal Government and a large, coordinated effort amongst state, federal and local governments," said Gov. DeSantis in a press release.

Scott, addressing the idea that Florida’s local law enforcement has left out to dry, said he was “furious” and called it “absolutely heartbreaking.”

“What I heard and saw during my briefing and tour with Sheriff Rick Ramsay, Admiral McPherson, and CBP in the Keys today makes me furious and is absolutely heartbreaking. Our brave law enforcement officers, including CBP agents and Coast Guard, are doing everything they can to keep our communities safe, but this administration has completely abandoned them and left them shorthanded,” stated Scott.

Moreover, since the Biden administration took office and many Republicans have declared that every state is a “border state,” since they have to deal with the ripple effects of illegal immigration.

“Every state is a border state, and we cannot allow the communist Cuban regime to weaponize our legally immigration system and take advantage. Florida is an immigration state, we encourage and welcome legal immigration—but it must be done legally. These evil regimes in Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua cannot continue to be emboldened by Biden’s appeasement and wide open borders. Where is Mayorkas? Where is Biden? They don’t care, but I won’t stop fighting to fix this. I’m going to keep showing up, keep holding them accountable and not let up until we SECURE THE BORDER.”

In October, Sen. Scott called for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to resign.