Governor Ron DeSantis
Governor Ron DeSantis has pledged to send state and local law enforcement agencies to Texas and Arizona to respond to requests from local governors to deal with immigration issues at the border.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is one of nine state sheriff departments that are committed to sending aid in addition to the state Highway Patrol, the State Department of Law Enforcement, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said he agreed immediately “without hesitation” to provide officers upon request by the DeSantis office.
“It is the right thing” said Marceno. “We will do everything we can to help.”
Marceno said those selected for the border areas would be given 16-day tours, although the number of MPs or possible dates for their deployment has not yet been set.
The governor’s office is expected to direct the Lee County Sheriff’s Office after communicating with the governors of Arizona and Texas.
“We are all a team” said Marceno.
Marceno compared the DeSantis response to border emergencies declared in Arizona and Texas with the assistance Florida provided from those states during its emergencies. Marceno noted that Florida was supported by teams from Arizona and Texas during hurricanes.
Marceno stressed that the decisions that will be made to support Arizona and Texas at their borders will not detract from the level of protection Lee County’s residents are accustomed to.
“In no way, shape or form do we take away resources” said Marceno.
Marceno applauded the governor for his job during the pandemic and for doing it “Always assisted law enforcement.” He said the state was “blessed” Having DeSantis at the head of the state.
“America’s border security crisis affects every state and every American” DeSantis said in a statement announcing the move. “The Biden administration has ended the policies put in place by President Trump to contain illegal immigration, secure our border, and secure Americans.”
According to US Customs and Border Protection, more than 180,000 potential immigrants were intercepted while attempting to enter along the southwest border without required documents last month.
Marceno expressed concern about an increase in criminal activity entering the country due to the reported increase in border attempts, including reported criminals.
“We don’t want this criminal element here” he said.
“We will do our part and make sure that people are safe” said Marceno.
The following sheriff’s offices and state law enforcement agencies have committed to sending aid as of Wednesday:
• The Florida Highway Patrol
• The Florida Department of Law Enforcement
• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• Brevard County Sheriff’s Office
• Office of the Sheriff of Escambia
• Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office
• Holmes County Sheriff’s Office
• Lee County Sheriff’s Office
• Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office
• Pasco County Sheriff’s Office
• Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office
• Walton County Sheriff’s Office
Comments are closed.