Vanity Fair: Ron DeSantis Reverting to Previous Tactics

Written by Eric Lutz

Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, has long since abandoned his presidential campaign, but traces of his campaign's cruel strategies are still noticeable. In a recent discussion with right-wing radio show host Dana Loesch, DeSantis hinted that he would revive his former hostile immigration policy, now threatening to transport Haitians fleeing to Florida to Martha's Vineyard. The Florida governor is noted to have remarked, "Haitians land in the Florida Keys; their next stop very well may be Martha's Vineyard."

DeSantis, in 2022, had earlier transported a group of South American immigrants to the island of Massachusetts. His justification that this was to deter illegal migrants from entering Florida was seen as a clear strategy to appeal to the right-wing MAGA community, using people as political tools, as Joe Biden stated, calling it 'un-American'.

It now appears that DeSantis plans to persist with this inappropriate behavior in anticipation of an increase in immigration from crisis-ridden Haiti. Current reports show that 80 percent of Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital city, is under gang control and the nation has a desperate need for humanitarian aid. However, DeSantis, instead of offering support, has stirred up fear by deploying law enforcement and military to repel the perceived 'invasion.' Democratic State Representative Dotie Joseph argues that these refugees are fleeing violence and deserve dignity and compassion, not to be used for political manipulation.

DeSantis' policy of transporting migrants to Martha's Vineyard is borrowed from Greg Abbott, the Republican Governor of Texas, who has transported immigrants to democrat-led cities like New York and Chicago. However, Abbott's confrontations with the federal government have become increasingly heated as he continues to push his immigration policy. A recent conservative majority Supreme Court's decision to allow SB4, a law that enables Texas officials to prosecute suspected illegal immigrants, was rapidly blocked by an appeals court.

The decision was a small victory for President Biden. The administration has labeled the Texas law as "harmful and unconstitutional" and an example of Republican officials using the border for political purposes. Biden has also been publicly critical of Donald Trump's approach to immigration.

However, even Biden's approach to border control has been increasingly severe, suggesting that the conversation about immigration in the United States has shifted to the right due to the actions of people like DeSantis and Abbott. Democratic Representative Greg Casar warns against adopting "inhumane and ineffective" policies that mimic those of the Trump administration.