Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warned about the risk of a new wave of migration from Cuba amid the crisis affecting the island, making it clear that his administration is not willing to accept that scenario.
During an event at the LeMieux Center for Public Policy at Palm Beach Atlantic University, the Republican politician noted that, in the event of a potential collapse of the Cuban system, there is a danger that thousands of people may attempt to reach the southern coast of the United States by sea.
"A pro-Western and pro-American government in Cuba would be very beneficial for the island," he said, adding that "we already have a contingency plan," referring to the state’s preparation to address a possible migration crisis.
The warning is not isolated. In recent days, DeSantis has reiterated that a mass exodus from Cuba would be "unacceptable" and that the solution does not lie in migration, but in a change within the island itself.
The governor insisted that Florida has been strengthening its capabilities to intercept vessels at sea for years, precisely to prevent a humanitarian crisis from resulting in a massive influx of migrants.
The concern arises in the context of a growing deterioration in Cuba, where the shortages of food, fuel, and electricity have generated social tensions and increased citizen discontent.
U.S. authorities have also acknowledged that instability on the island could lead to an unprecedented migratory flow to Florida, especially if the economic situation continues to deteriorate.
The governor also hinted at coordination with the federal government to manage these types of contingencies, at a time when the situation in the Caribbean is raising concerns in Washington.
Filed under: