During a visit to the U.S. southern border, Ron DeSantis, the Florida Governor, and Republican presidential candidate, presented his comprehensive plan to combat illegal immigration and the drug trade. He aims to gain an advantage over former President Donald Trump, who currently leads the Republican primary field for the 2024 election, on a key issue central to Trump’sformer presidency.
The governor of Florida has announced that he will implement Donald Trump’s ideology more effectively, even if it means pushing through some measures that may face legal opposition. In response, Trump’s campaign has accused DeSantis of simply copying his agenda.
DeSantis criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of the border situation, which has seen a surge in illegal border crossings since Biden assumed office. In an effort to differentiate himself from Trump, DeSantis pledged to take even stronger measures to secure the border.
DeSantis stated that for years, leaders from both political parties had made empty promises regarding border security. Now it is time to take action and put an end to this invasion once and for all. DeSantis stated if elected president, he would immediately declare a national emergency and relentlessly work towards building the wall, ending illegal entry, and defeating drug cartels. There will be no excuses, and the above will be accomplished. He added, “We don’t want hollow rhetoric.”
DeSantis’ plan, named “No Excuses,” is based on the following four core pillars:
- “Halt the invasion.”
- “Construct the wall.”
- “Hold cartels accountable.”
- “Collaborate with states to enforce the law.”
The “No Excuses” plan comprises a range of reforms, including the discontinuation of Biden’s parole program. This program has been linked to a decline in the number of illegal immigrants encounters at the border following the repeal of Title 42 in the past month. DeSantis also pledged to end the catch-and-release approach implemented by the Biden administration and reinstate Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy.
The proposal emphasizes the imperative of “building the wall” without any justifications and proposes involving the U.S. military to support Border Patrol agents. It outlines strategies to intensify efforts against drug cartels, designates them as Transnational Criminal Organizations, and establishes “rules of engagement” for U.S. forces to combat cartels along the border.
Addressing a gathering of supporters in Texas, DeSantis stressed that the border issue should not be dismissed as solely a problem for Texas or Arizona, stating when your own border is not under control, it becomes an issue for all Americans.
During his speech, DeSantis highlighted his immigration initiatives in Florida, such as deploying Florida National Guard members to assist Texas twice and controversially transporting illegal immigrants to self-proclaimed sanctuary jurisdictions in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, and, more recently, California. The proposal shows a change in direction for the candidate, who has been emphasizing his accomplishments in Florida for many months.