BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS — Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Tuesday that Florida teams have interacted with more than 5,800 illegal aliens and assisted the Texas Department of Public Safety with more than 190 arrests.
Florida officials assisted with the apprehension of an MS-13 gang member who was on the U.S. terror watch list. They also arrested criminals on felony charges for human smuggling, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful carrying of weapons – and capital murder.
The executive office of the governor released footage of the operations which can be viewed here, as well as an interview with Sergeant Yuknavage, a Florida Highway Patrol trooper deployed to the border.
FLORIDA RESOURCES DEPLOYED
Florida National Guard (FLNG)
Over 400 personnel continue to support the Texas Military Department with service members to assist with static observation, roving patrols and engineer assistance to clear obstacles.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
30 FDLE special agents and nine support team members remain deployed assisting Texas law enforcement agencies investigating criminal activity along the border associated with human trafficking as well as drug and weapons smuggling. As part of the arrests, FDLE agents helped seize cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, firearms and ammunition.
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)
101 FHP troopers are deployed in support of Operation Lone Star. Troopers have been involved in nearly 700 traffic stops, eight commercial vehicle inspections and seven pursuits resulting in nine narcotic-related charges along with 17 federal and/or state warrant arrests. Throughout the weekend, FHP encountered African, Cuban, Bolivian, and Iranian undocumented migrants who were detained and turned over to U.S. Border Patrol.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
A third wave of 20 sworn FWC officers and two mechanics deployed to Texas to assist federal, state, and local agencies with response efforts. FWC’s law enforcement assets provide assistance to responding federal, state, county, and municipal agencies.
