JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is taking new action in the border crisis, as he announced the deployment of more Florida personnel to the southern border on Thursday.
The governor saying in part, that nearly 1,000 soldiers, or one full battalion of National Guard members, are being offered to Texas.
This is related to what DeSantis described as a major issue that needed solving, taking multiple shots at what he perceives as the Biden administration’s repeated failures to address the border.
“Biden has the authority to close this border today if he wanted to. He lacks the will to get the job done. He lacks the capacity to see the problem for what it is and get the job done,” said DeSantis.
Officials from the Florida National Guard, Florida State Guard and Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles were present at the announcement in Jacksonville.
The governor said the U.S. states should band together to solve the crisis, adding that Florida will do its part by providing a battalion of Florida National Guard, as well as the first ever deployment of the Florida State Guard.
The goal, as explained by DeSantis, is to help Texas fortify the border and solve what is not just a Texas issue, but an American issue.
“Help them strengthen the barricades, help them add barriers, help them add the wire that they need so that we can stop this invasion once and for all,” said DeSantis.
Thursday’s developments happening as Texas Governor Greg Abbott continues to draw his own path in dealing with the birder, despite the federal government having constitutional authority over immigration issues.
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered Abbott to allow border patrol agents to use a previously restricted staging area and to remove or cut razor wire to reach the river, aiding migrants in distress.
Abbott’s troops instead are installing even more wire as he gains support from at least 25 republican governors who signed a letter backing him.
All of this tying back to Governor DeSantis’ belief that collaboration is key to solving issues.
“I think that the states being able to step up, ensure the sovereignty of their territory, and the sovereignty of our country is something that’s appropriate,” said DeSantis.
According to DeSantis’ office, these newly announced deployments are in addition to the more than 90 officers from the Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Florida Department of Law Enforcement who are already at the border.
It wasn’t made immediately clear when the groups will arrive in Texas.