DeSantis defends flying migrants to California as he meets with sheriffs near border

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis defended the decision to transport migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border to California, citing the state’s immigrant-friendly policies as an invitation to migrants. Speaking at a meeting with sheriffs near the Arizona border, DeSantis, a Republican presidential candidate, emphasized his commitment to border control, aligning himself with Donald Trump on this crucial issue for the 2024 nomination.

While expressing his preference for a closed border, DeSantis argued that if there is a policy of open borders, sanctuary jurisdictions should bear the responsibility. Responding to allegations of coercion, DeSantis’ administration stated that the migrants transported from El Paso to Sacramento willingly agreed to the move. California officials are investigating potential violations of criminal or civil law related to the incident.

DeSantis views the immigration focus as an opportunity to strengthen his position among GOP primary voters. By engaging in a high-profile dispute with liberal California and its Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, he hopes to gain political advantages. This issue also allows DeSantis to address a topic central to Trump’s appeal, who pledged to build a border wall paid for by Mexico but ultimately failed to deliver.

This is not the first instance of DeSantis chartering planes to transport migrants across the country. In the past, Florida flew 49 Venezuelans to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. DeSantis criticized California’s sanctuary policies, which protect undocumented immigrants and provide them with certain state benefits. He believes such policies attract individuals seeking a better life and hinder efforts to address illegal immigration.

DeSantis did not respond to Newsom’s comments, including the possibility of kidnapping charges, and was referred to as a “small, pathetic man.” According to DeSantis, immigration is a national issue that border states should not have to face alone. He argues that the federal government should grant states more authority to enforce immigration laws independently. In addition to the migrant flights, DeSantis highlighted Florida’s efforts to combat illegal immigration, such as deploying National Guard soldiers and law enforcement officers to Texas and intercepting migrant boats off Florida’s coast.

DeSantis stated that Florida taxpayers support using state funds to transport migrants from Texas to California, citing its inclusion as an issue during his overwhelmingly successful reelection campaign last year. He signed a law in May allocating $12 million for migrant flights. Despite being in second place behind Trump in the presidential race, DeSantis did not mention his rival by name but instead criticized President Joe Biden’s border policies, holding them responsible for the rise in drug-related issues.

DeSantis met with sheriffs from across the country at a community college in Sierra Vista, Arizona, a conservative area home to many Border Patrol officers and located near the Fort Huachuca Army base. While he planned to visit the border, journalists were not allowed to accompany him.

Trump’s super PAC highlighted DeSantis’ previous praise for Trump’s immigration policies on Twitter two years ago, emphasizing the former president’s own plans. Trump has renewed his commitment to end birthright citizenship, advocated for the military’s involvement in combating foreign drug cartels, and pushed for the death penalty for drug dealers. In Arizona, DeSantis pledged to address fraudulent asylum claims made for economic reasons, expressing sympathy for those genuinely facing political persecution but suggesting that the U.S. deny asylum to individuals who have passed through other safe countries to reach the United States.

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More about immigration policies

• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis defends flying migrants to California
• Florida official says migrants flown to California went willingly
• California officials investigating allegations of coercion
• DeSantis focuses on immigration to boost credibility with GOP primary voters
• Trump’s super PAC highlights DeSantis’ immigration policies