Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has announced that the state will be deploying members of the Florida National Guard (FLNG) and the Florida State Guard (FSG) to assist Texas in its efforts to address the issue of illegal immigration at the southern border. Florida is offering up to a battalion of National Guard members, approximately 1,000 soldiers, to be deployed based on Texas’ needs.[0]
This deployment comes as the U.S. Senate works on finalizing details of a bipartisan bill aimed at securing the border.[1] Governor DeSantis’ announcement of deploying the Florida State Guard to Texas marks the first time the volunteer force, which was revived by DeSantis in 2022 and now consists of over 1,500 members, will be deployed outside of Florida.
The state is also sending at least one battalion of the Florida National Guard, totaling around 1,000 soldiers, to support Texas’ efforts.[2] These deployments are in addition to the more than 90 officers from the Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement that are currently deployed to the border.[0]
Since 2021, Florida has been providing direct law enforcement and military assistance to Texas, including the FLNG, which has supported the Texas Military Department through various mission sets such as static observation points, roving patrols, and engineer assistance with obstacle improvement.[0] The Florida Highway Patrol has made contact with nearly 150,000 migrants, conducted over 27,000 traffic stops, resulting in 2,102 Human Smuggling or Human Trafficking charges, and made 2,278 overall arrests.[0]
Governor DeSantis emphasized the importance of defending sovereignty, stating that states have the right to defend their borders and that it is crucial to strengthen security measures to prevent illegal immigration. He expressed his support for Texas and the need to add additional barriers, including razor wire, along the border.[3] DeSantis believes that a country cannot exist without a secure border.
The deployment of the Florida National Guard and State Guard to Texas is part of Governor DeSantis’ ongoing efforts to address the issue of illegal immigration. He has been a vocal supporter of Texas Governor Greg Abbott in his fight for stronger border security measures.[4] DeSantis previously made headlines by sending “migrant flights” from the border to Democratic-dominated states such as Massachusetts and California.[5]
The deployment of up to 1,000 members of the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard to Texas is aimed at providing additional support to help Texas fortify its border and address the ongoing influx of illegal immigration. The Florida State Guard, in particular, is prepared to provide rapid emergency response, public safety operations, and humanitarian assistance wherever it is needed.[6]
Governor DeSantis criticized President Joe Biden, stating that while he has the authority to close the border, he lacks the will and capacity to effectively address the issue.[7] DeSantis believes that stopping the invasion at the southern border is crucial for the security and sovereignty of the United States.
The deployment of Florida National Guard and State Guard troops to Texas has received support from Republican governors who share concerns about border security.[5] The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of the Biden administration, allowing the removal of razor wire that was intended to stop migrant crossings at the border.[3]
The deployment of the Florida State Guard outside of Florida marks an important step in its operations and showcases its readiness to provide assistance beyond state borders. The Florida State Guard, revived by Governor DeSantis, can now operate outside of Florida and be called into service whenever necessary.[8]
In conclusion, the deployment of the Florida National Guard and State Guard to Texas demonstrates Governor Ron DeSantis’ commitment to addressing the issue of illegal immigration at the southern border. Florida is offering support to Texas by providing troops and resources to help fortify the border and strengthen security measures. This deployment marks the first time the Florida State Guard has been deployed outside of Florida, highlighting its readiness to assist in emergency response and public safety operations. Governor DeSantis emphasizes the importance of defending sovereignty and securing the border for the well-being of the country.[9]
0. “Gov. DeSantis to send members of Florida State Guard to help secure southern border” WJXT News4JAX , 1 Feb. 2024, https://www.news4jax.com/news/politics/2024/02/01/gov-ron-desantis-holds-news-conference-in-jacksonville/
1. “Florida Democrats Blast Ron DeSantis’s Border Stunt” Florida Democratic Party, 1 Feb. 2024, https://www.floridadems.org/2024/02/01/florida-democrats-blast-ron-desantiss-border-stunt/
2. “Florida Gov Ron DeSantis sending National Guard troops to assist Gov Abbott at southern border” Fox News, 1 Feb. 2024, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/florida-gov-ron-desantis-to-send-hundreds-of-national-guard-troops-to-assist-gov-abbott-at-southern-border
3. “Florida’s DeSantis deploys National Guard troops to Texas to aid its immigration efforts” UPI News, 1 Feb. 2024, https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2024/02/01/florida-governor-ron-desantis-sends-florida-national-guard-to-florida/5301706819805
4. “DeSantis offers to send Florida National Guard to California” Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2024, https://www.newsweek.com/desantis-offers-send-florida-national-guard-california-1866220
5. “DeSantis Promises Texas 1000 Troops From Florida for the Border” Bloomberg, 1 Feb. 2024, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-01/desantis-promises-texas-1-000-troops-from-florida-for-the-border
6. “More Border Support: Governor Ron DeSantis Sends Additional Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard to …” Governor Ron DeSantis, 1 Feb. 2024, https://www.flgov.com/2024/02/01/more-border-support-governor-ron-desantis-sends-additional-florida-national-guard-and-florida-state-guard-to-assist-texas/
7. “Governor DeSantis deploys Florida troops to southern border” WPLG Local 10, 1 Feb. 2024, https://www.local10.com/news/local/2024/02/01/governor-desantis-deploys-florida-troops-to-southern-border
8. “State guard could get go-ahead to operate outside Florida” WKMG News 6 & ClickOrlando, 25 Jan. 2024, https://www.clickorlando.com/news/2024/01/26/state-guard-could-get-go-ahead-to-operate-outside-florida
9. “Ron DeSantis To Send Florida Troops To Texas Border To Stem ‘Invasion’ Of Illegal Drugs, Immigrants By Benzinga” Investing.com UK, 1 Feb. 2024, https://uk.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/ron-desantis-to-send-florida-troops-to-texas-border-to-stem-invasion-of-illegal-drugs-immigrants-3321014
