In a recent development, California Republican Rep. Jay Obernolte has called for the full reopening of a migrant detention center with the capacity to hold 2,000 migrants. This comes as Rep. Carlos Gimenez, a Republican from Florida, demands more information about a group of over two dozen illegal Chinese immigrants who recently landed ashore in his southern Florida district. In an interview with Digital on Friday, Gimenez expressed concern about the lack of knowledge regarding their purpose and destination, emphasizing the increasing global insecurity under the Biden administration.
Last week, Florida officials announced the apprehension of 17 illegal immigrants from China and three from Ecuador after they arrived in Key Largo by boat. The detained individuals, all men from Ecuador and a mix of men and women from China, were taken into custody by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) after being apprehended by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). Gimenez, who serves on both the Homeland Security and China select committees, stated that he was not surprised by this incident given current federal government policies.
Gimenez expressed his concerns about the growing presence of China in the Bahamas, Cuba, and central South America, and questioned the motives of the predominantly male Chinese migrants attempting to enter the United States. He intends to gather more information about their origin, personal backgrounds, and intentions in coming to the United States.
The incident comes in the context of the White House’s request for Congress to approve a $105 billion supplemental funding package, which includes $14 billion for border security, as well as aid for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. However, Gimenez argued that funding alone is insufficient without an effective plan for its utilization. He criticized the policies implemented by the Biden administration, stating that funding remained unchanged between the transition from the previous administration to the current one.
Key Largo, where the migrants arrived, is one of the northernmost islands in the Florida Keys archipelago and is in close proximity to the continental United States. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department Executive Director Dave Kerner issued a statement last week, accusing the Biden administration of “completely failing on border security” and highlighting how an open border allows individuals from enemy nations to enter communities.
As this situation unfolds, it is essential to monitor the actions taken by the Biden administration to address border security and immigration policies. The concerns raised by Rep. Gimenez regarding the surge of migrants and the need for effective measures to ensure national security warrant further attention and scrutiny.
Elizabeth Elkind is a reporter for Digital, specializing in Congress and the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and politics. Her previous bylines can be seen at Daily Mail and CBS News. For the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content, follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to [email protected]. Stay subscribed to receive the latest newsletters.
