• Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an Executive Order that activates the state National Guard and directs resources to the ongoing efforts in managing the influx of migrants on South Florida’s shores 
• The state will utilize air assets and marine vessels to patrol waterways 
• According to officials, more than 500 foreign nationals were apprehended after attempting to illegally enter Florida on the first two days of the year
• Within the Executive Order, it states that “intelligence reports reveal additional vessels en route to Florida”

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order on Friday afternoon, activating the state National Guard and directing resources to the efforts in managing the influx of migrants arriving in the state.

Per the Governor’s office, the state will deploy air assets, including airplanes and helicopters from the Florida National Guard, and bolster Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission marine patrol to support water interdictions and ensure the safety of migrants attempting to reach Florida through the Florida Straits.

“The response given by the Biden Administration on this crisis is inadequate and presents an undue burden on local law enforcement to prevent mass migration.”

According to officials, more than 500 foreign nationals were apprehended after attempting to illegally enter Florida on the first two days of the year, including an occasion on New Year’s Day in which approximately 300 migrants entered Dry Tortugas National Park near Key West.

The majority arrived by boat mostly off the coast of the Florida Keys. Consequentially, multiple state agencies issued statewide warnings, and Dry Tortugas was forced to close to the public.

Within the Executive Order, it states that “intelligence reports reveal additional vessels en route to Florida.”

The record number of apprehensions in the first two days of the year was after the Miami Border Patrol Sector reported a 500 percent increase in apprehensions in fiscal year 2022.

Florida officials’ battle with the federal government is set to renew on Monday when the state will try to convince a U.S. district judge that the Biden administration is violating federal laws through policies that lead to releasing undocumented immigrants.

In a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Ashley Moody, Florida contends that the administration’s policies result in undocumented immigrants flowing into the state, increasing costs for services such as prisons, schools, and health care.

Moody also argues that undocumented immigrants cause public-safety problems, such as bringing deadly fentanyl into Florida.

“Biden’s actions are beyond irresponsible and put Americans at risk. Now, because of our litigation, the president must defend his reckless actions and refusal to follow the law in a federal courtroom,” said Moody on Thursday.