The DeSantis Illegal Immigration & Southern Border Plan
Bottom Line: On Monday Governor DeSantis made his first visit to the Southern Texas border since announcing his presidential bid just over a month ago. For two consecutive years, including an ongoing operation right now, Florida has responded to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s request for additional help in combating the illegal immigration crisis with Operation Lone Star. As mentioned last week, the Florida contingent of Guardsmen, FDLE, FHP and FWC personal within their first month were responsible for the following:
- Greater than 10,000 undocumented migrants processed
- Over 600 arrests including over 160 human traffickers and an MS-13 gang member on the US Terror Watch List
- 231 pounds of illegal drugs confiscated
- 47 vehicle pursuits from illegal immigrants on the run from law enforcement
- Over $500,000 seized
As governor of Florida, it’s been clear that Ron DeSantis has been a leader in doing what he’s able to do to combat the southern border crisis, lending additional credibility to the plan he outlined while visiting Eagle Pass on Monday. So, about that plan. What’s in it? His plan, which is entitled, “Stop The Invasion” calls for 36 action items across four verticals. The four categories for reform:
- No Excuses: Stop the Invasion
- No Excuses: Build The Wall
- No Excuses: Hold Cartels Accountable
- No Excuses: Work With States To Enforce The Law
Among the specific actions items are these:
- Ending catch-and-release
- Reinstating the remain in Mexico policy
- Increasing Border Patrol pay
- Mandatory E-Verify
- Defunding Sanctuary Cities
- Deporting all illegal immigrants via VISA overstays
- Finishing the construction of the border wall
- Ordering the military to the southern border until the construction of the wall is complete
There’s much more to the comprehensive proposal illustrating a high level of knowledge of the inner workings of the crisis and the need for balance in the use of executive actions and congressional action which would be needed to complete his plan. In many ways it’s reflective of Governor DeSantis’ annual detailed legislative road maps he’s produced and shepherded through the legislature. The plan is DeSantis’ first official policy proposal since announcing his presidential bid. It’s also the first clear indication his approach to running the country would be similar to his approach as governor. Detailed, hands on and agenda driven.