Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced that a vessel carrying Haitian migrants, weapons, drugs, and night vision equipment was intercepted near Sebastian Inlet. The boat, operated recklessly, held 25 suspected illegal immigrants. State wildlife officials interdicted the vessel and turned the individuals over to the U.S. Coast Guard for deportation.
DeSantis revealed the incident during a press conference where he signed three immigration-related bills aimed at strengthening Florida’s stance on illegal immigration. These laws increase penalties for unlicensed drivers, impose harsher consequences on undocumented immigrants who re-enter the country after deportation, and prohibit Florida courts from accepting IDs issued to undocumented individuals by other states.
Citing unrest in Haiti, DeSantis warned of the growing threat of illegal migration by sea. Gangs in Haiti have taken over government infrastructure, burning police stations, storming prisons, and attacking the main airport. In response, Florida is deploying additional resources to the coast: 48 National Guard troops, four helicopters, 39 state investigators, 30 highway patrol officers with aircraft and drones, and 23 wildlife officers with eight patrol boats.
Since January 2023, DeSantis said authorities have helped stop 670 vessels carrying over 13,500 migrants. He emphasized that it is a hazardous journey with little chance of success, stating, “The most likely scenario is you’ll be stopped and returned.”
Federal officials echoed concerns but noted that mass migration hasn’t yet occurred. The Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security continue to monitor the situation and uphold U.S. policy, which mandates the immediate repatriation of migrants intercepted at sea who lack a valid legal basis to enter the country.
