Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) held a press conference in Pensacola, Florida regarding his recent to deploy additional Highway Patrolmen and National Guardsmen to the southern border to aid the state of Texas during the current migrant crisis at the southern border.
The Florida governor described this decision as a “years-long effort” to help the Lone Star State as the federal government has failed to provide the necessary support.
“This is part of a years-long effort for us to help do what the federal government has refused to do, which is to actually defend this country’s borders,” said Gov. DeSantis. “You’ve seen numbers that have been astronomical over these last three years, I know that what has been happening in Texas has been effective. You’ve seen the numbers go down, and that’s really because you have Texas putting forth huge effort and then all these other states coming by to help so we want to be a part of that.”
He continued by mentioning that this issue is “an American issue” that affects every state in the union.
“We think this is an American issue, partially just because we should have a secure country, and then partially the effects of this border invasion go to all 50 states. So, we’re thankful for our folks, the morale is great, people believe in the mission,” said Gov. DeSantis.
According to the Executive Office of the Governor, Florida has sent more than 2,400 law enforcement officers to help the Lone Star State since 2021. They’ve also sent more than 600 pieces of equipment such as boats, command buses, and ATVs.
“The Biden Border Crisis has made every state a border state, requiring the states to step up and defend our territorial sovereignty,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I want to extend my sincerest thanks to every law enforcement officer, National Guardsman and member of the State Guard who is serving in Texas.”
During the press conference, the governor spoke on the increasing numbers of Chinese nationals entering the country through the southern border as well.
“If you look, though, at some of the things that are happening, you’ve got massive numbers now, Chinese coming across the border. This is incredible that we’d be allowing people from all over the world. We have no idea who they are, that they’re just being able to pour into this country … I think we were the first state to really offer big support three years ago in 2021 because we saw the direction that this was going to take,” DeSantis said.
