Courtesy: Gov. Ron DeSantis
Governor Ron DeSantis declared on Thursday that he is sending soldiers of the National Guard and the State Guard to Texas to help with the installation of razor wire along the southern border.
The Texas National Guard proceeded to install razor wire last week despite the Supreme Court’s ruling that the federal government had the authority to remove it and other barriers the Texas government had placed at the border.
Up to 1,000 volunteers from the Florida State Guard and National Guard will help Texas “relatively shortly.”
“The goal is to help Texas fortify this border, help them strengthen the barricades, help them add barriers, help them add the wire that they need to so that we can stop this invasion once and for all,” DeSantis said from Jacksonville’s Cecil Airport Thursday morning. “And the states have to band together.”
Republicans have been using strong language to characterize the thousands of migrants and asylum seekers who are coming to the border between the United States and Mexico. DeSantis reiterated this rhetoric. Between ports of entry, asylum seekers usually turn themselves into Border Patrol authorities. Numerous migrants from Mexico attempt to enter covertly and elude border guards.
Many migrants, including children, are risking serious injury as they make their way through the reams of concertina, despite the razor wire discouraging them.
At a press conference on semiconductor manufacturing last week in Kissimmee, DeSantis praised the Florida State Guard and expressed his desire for the volunteer guard to assist in policing immigration at Texas’ southern border.
DeSantis can send the guard to other states because of bills (HB 1551/SB 1694) that are presently being reviewed by the Florida Legislature.
The State Guard was created during World War II to cover for Florida National Guard troops who were overseas, and it was declared inactive in 1947.
In 2022, DeSantis brought the State Guard back to life, and the Legislature boosted funding to $107.6 million from $10 million. Last year, the force increased in size from 400 to 1,500 troops.
Oklahoma and Iowa are among the Republican-led states that have given Texas their own National Guard personnel for border missions.
Stories that matter are our priority. At Florida Insider, we make sure that the information we provide our readers is accurate, easy-to-read, and informative. Whether you are interested in business, education, government, history, sports, real estate, nature or travel: we have something for everyone. Follow along for the best stories in the Sunshine State.
Chris began his writing as a hobby while attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Today he and his wife live in the Orlando area with their three children and dog.
