(CMR) In response to the surge in migration along Florida’s coastline, Governor Ron DeSantis signed documents on January 6, declaring a State of Emergency. More than 500 Cuban immigrants arrived in the Florida Keys over the New Year's Day weekend alone.
This SoE means activating the Florida National Guard, directing state law enforcement agencies and other state agencies to provide resources in support of local governments responding to the influx of migrants landing in the Florida Keys, and providing additional support toward efforts to prevent further migrant landings on Florida’s shores.
In a release issued on Tuesday, Florida Division of Emergency Management director Kevin Guthrie said, “The Division remains in close communication with local governments and our law enforcement partners to address resource needs and support our communities in every way we can.” said FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie.
“We will continue to deploy all available resources and manpower to respond to the unprecedented level of migrant landings on our shores,” he added.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management activated the State Emergency Operations Center to a Level 2 at 10 a.m. on January 7th, 2023, to facilitate the coordination of state assets. As of January 10, 2023, over 300 vessels have been identified for removal accounting for 299 landings and 5,184 migrants.
Currently, the Division is working with the Florida National Guard, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Florida Highway Patrol to increase coastal vigilance and provide improved situational awareness of migrant activities.
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