Illegal immigration is a huge problem in the United States. Though when we think of it, we most often picture states like Texas, Arizona, and California.
However, another state which is suffering major illegal immigration problems is Florida. In fact, Florida recently had to shut down a national park, due to the massive influx of illegal immigrants pouring into the Florida Keys.
What Happened?
This weekend, during New Year’s Eve, a large wave of illegal migrants arrived in the tropical island archipelago of Florida, prompting the latest crisis.
Most of the migrants are believed to come from some parts of the Caribbean and especially Cuba and Haiti.
About 300 migrants arrived on New Year’s Eve. This huge group of illegal migrants was greeted by first responders and led to the subsequent closure.
Authorities closed the Dry Tortugas National Park to house this group of migrants and also more than 160 other migrants who landed in various other parts of the island.
Many migrants were exhausted and hungry. Rescuers provided water, food, and basic medical care for them.
On Monday, January 2, authorities found two more groups of migrants in another part of the archipelago in the Middle Keys, where more than 30 migrants arrived by boat on the island.
Meanwhile in #Florida, nature #tourism affected by illegal immigration… #DryTortugas https://t.co/fIXpPPCA5Y
— Marinarena Travel Culture Writing Etc (@marinarena) January 3, 2023
Park Closed ‘Indefinitely’
Dry Tortugas National Park, which is housing all migrants, said it will suspend its activities to the public indefinitely.
According to the Park, this decision is aimed at helping the welfare of migrants and supporting local authorities to manage the whole situation in the best way.
The National Park attracts many tourists and people who do snorkeling and exploring, especially of its vivid coral reefs. The park is located about 70 miles west of Key West, an area of more than 100 square miles in Florida’s Monroe County.
Key West is 90 miles north of Cuba, which makes it a strategic route area for migrants to enter U.S. soil. Local authorities are quite apprehensive about the chaos the whole situation is causing in the Florida Keys and fear it could get even worse.
Rick Ramsay, sheriff of Monroe County, said everything happening was already foreseen and the federal government has never been committed to addressing issues related to on-site migration.
LOL please tell me why, over the all the time Republicans were in control they never did a thing about illegal immigration either. PS: It's because their corporate owners need it and want it. Cheap labor and all. Try harder to understand life lil buddy.
— LivininKaradise (@FloridaVoterNPA) December 30, 2022
The Bottom Line
Local authorities are doing their best to deal with the chaos in the Florida Keys, but they say they are disappointed with absolutely no federal aid efforts.
Various officials who end up working patrol in South Florida and the Keys have experienced a huge rise in illegal immigrants coming in. This includes record interceptions in recent months, mainly from people from Cuba and Haiti.
In fiscal year 2022, the number of Cubans arrested trying to cross the island to the coast of Florida increased five-fold, compared to 2021.
