Portrait of Ron DeSantis
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Ron DeSantis on US Border Security

Strong border enforcer (strong)

TL;DR

Ron DeSantis advocates for closing the US-Mexico border and punishing sanctuary jurisdictions with migrant transfers.

Key Points

  • In April 2022, his office issued a warning telling migrants, "Do not come to Florida. Life will not be easy for you."

  • He announced a plan in May 2023 to send over 1,100 National Guard soldiers and law enforcement officers to Texas for border security.

  • He previously visited the Texas border with Governor Abbott in July 2021 to address a surge in illegal crossings.

Summary

Ron DeSantis has strongly advocated for aggressive federal action on US-Mexico border security, asserting that the border should be closed and criticizing the sitting president's policies. He has also taken unilateral action by using Florida state resources to transport migrants who entered the country illegally from the border area to states with more welcoming policies, arguing that sanctuary jurisdictions should bear the responsibility for migrants arriving due to those policies. This approach is central to his political platform on immigration.

His stance includes a commitment to stop what he calls 'bogus asylum claims' from those seeking economic opportunity, while being sympathetic to those with genuine political persecution claims. Furthermore, DeSantis has shown a willingness to deploy state resources outside Florida's borders, such as sending National Guard soldiers and law enforcement officers to Texas to aid in border security efforts. His administration has also signed state-level legislation to bolster his migrant relocation program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ron DeSantis strongly advocates for closing the US-Mexico border, which he has stated publicly during campaign events. He blames the current administration's policies for the ongoing border crisis. He has also expressed a desire to move away from 'catch and release' policies, favoring arrests and jail time for illegal entrants, according to statements made in July 2021.

Yes, DeSantis has taken executive action by deploying Florida state law enforcement officers and National Guard soldiers to assist Texas at the border, a commitment he extended for at least another year in July 2021. He also signed a sweeping immigration bill in 2023 to bolster Florida's migrant relocation program.

In April 2022, after migrants were bused to Washington D.C. planning to head to Miami, DeSantis' office issued a clear warning. He stated that life 'will not be easy' in Florida for those who have entered the country illegally because the state will uphold immigration laws.