DeSantis Slams Biden's Border Neglect, Citing Terror-Linked Arrest

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has condemned the Biden administration for its alleged negligence at the southern border, highlighting the recent apprehension of a person with links to terrorism.

In response to rising national security concerns stemming from the ongoing border crisis, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has joined 'The Faulkner Focus' to express his outrage over the Biden administration's perceived neglect. Emphasizing the critical need for border enforcement, he pointed to the recent arrest of an Afghan national with terrorist affiliations.

DeSantis's criticism comes amid a federal judge's temporary halt of a Florida law criminalizing the transportation of illegal immigrants into the state. The law, signed by DeSantis in 2023, aims to deter human smuggling but has sparked concerns among immigrant rights groups.

The Farmworker Association of Florida and individuals claiming to be affected by the law have filed a lawsuit against its provision targeting migrant transport. U.S. District Judge Roy Altman, appointed by former President Trump, has issued a temporary injunction against the provision while the lawsuit proceeds through the court.

DeSantis has consistently opposed illegal immigration, both as a former presidential candidate and as governor of Florida. Notably, his administration recently prevailed in a lawsuit over the controversial flights of illegal immigrants from Texas to Martha's Vineyard.

The 2023 immigration law signed by DeSantis includes provisions to fund migrant transportation, restrict access to ID cards, and require increased use of E-Verify, a federal system that verifies the legal work status of employees. However, the lawsuit challenges only the provision related to migrant transport.

Republicans have taken a strong stance against the surge in illegal border crossings under President Biden. With the November elections approaching, they have blamed the crisis on Biden's policies and passed laws in several states, including Texas, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Florida, empowering local officials to enforce immigration laws.

The Biden administration and immigrant rights organizations have attempted to block these laws, claiming they infringe on the federal government's authority to enforce immigration law. Civil rights groups argue that Florida's ban on migrant transport could lead to the arrest of innocent individuals, including U.S. citizens, for ordinary activities such as transporting relatives or taking family vacations.

Judge Altman found that the law likely violates the Constitution by "extending beyond the state's authority to make arrests for violations of federal immigration law." He stated that it "intrudes into territory that's preempted" by the federal government.

DeSantis's office and the farmworker group behind the lawsuit have not yet provided any comment.

According to the latest figures from the Department of Homeland Security, there were a record 2.4 million migrant encounters in FY 23. Experts predict that this number could be exceeded in FY 24, despite a recent decline in monthly crossings.