Haitian Community Leaders Call for Prudence Amid Florida's Deployment of Troops
As Florida mobilizes over 250 law enforcement officers and soldiers to the Keys, Haitian community leaders and officials voice concerns over the decision's impact on potential Haitian migrant influx. Questions arise over the necessity and implications of Gov. Ron DeSantis' move to secure the state borders.
Eliantes Jean Jacques, a Haitian immigrant who has been living in Florida for over thirty years, is well acquainted with the political instability, economic turmoil, and natural disasters that have plagued his homeland, pushing it to the brink of collapse.
However, Jean Jacques expressed that Haiti's recent spiral into chaos and lawlessness driven by gangs seems particularly alarming. He noted that the gangs seem to possess more firearms than the police, who are scarce. These armed groups have taken control of ports and main roads, released prisoners from jails, and even managed to shut down the airport. Kidnappings and murders have escalated rapidly beyond the capital city of Port-au-Prince.
Jean Jacques, who is 66 years old, shared in a phone interview that his 55-year-old brother and 36-year-old cousin were tragically killed by armed groups since February. He is deeply worried as he has not been able to get in touch with his brother's children and two cousins in Haiti since last week.
"I fear for their safety from the gangs who show no mercy," expressed Jean Jacques, who works as a cook in North Miami. "I can't stop crying. The uncertainty of what the future holds is overwhelming."
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In Florida, there are over 270,000 people born in Haiti. These residents are deeply concerned about their friends and family back in Haiti who are facing homelessness, lack of food, violence, and uncertainty.
Some community leaders and elected officials are questioning Governor Ron DeSantis' decision to send over 250 law enforcement officers and soldiers to the Florida Keys. They believe this action is aimed at preventing a potential influx of Haitian migrants escaping the turmoil in their country.
Tessa Petit, who is the executive director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition and is originally from Haiti, has criticized the state's response to the ongoing crisis in Haiti. She believes that responding with more violence and militarization is not the solution.
Petit, whose coalition is part of a vast network of organizations serving Florida’s Haitian community, shared, "I have family members who had to leave Haiti and relocate to the Dominican Republic. The situation there is deteriorating day by day, with people losing their lives and businesses being destroyed. Whatever little remained is now completely gone."
There has been no noticeable increase in Haitian migrants.
Despite previous crises that have pushed Haitians to brave the dangerous journey by sea to reach Florida, there has not been a surge in migrants so far.
Petit pointed out that the ongoing alertness is due to the history of Haitians resorting to sea travel when the country faces closures and people seek safety elsewhere. This decision to risk their lives at sea rather than stay in Haiti is a stark reminder of the perilous conditions in the country.
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On Wednesday, Governor DeSantis announced that he was sending more than 130 soldiers, along with additional personnel, aircraft, and boats to the Keys. This was to prevent what his office referred to as a "possibility of invasion" by Haitian migrants. The deployment includes officers from various agencies such as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida National Guard, and Florida State Guard.
The US Coast Guard shared on Tuesday that they had sent back 65 migrants to Haiti after intercepting them on a boat near the Bahamas. Since October 1, a total of 131 migrants have been repatriated to Haiti by the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard said it has not seen an increase in migrants from Haiti in recent weeks.
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DeSantis’ office did not respond right away when asked for a comment.
"We've experienced similar situations in the past," mentioned Gepsie Metellus, who is the executive director of the Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center in North Miami, talking about previous waves of migration from Haiti during times of crisis.
"We always rely on the support of the community to help us handle any increase in numbers. And it's not surprising that more people have been coming in slowly even before the situation escalated to where it is today. It's highly probable that even more people will be arriving."
"Living with such high levels of stress can be really challenging."
A public van passes burning tires left on a road Tuesday during a demonstration in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince.
The situation in Haiti is getting worse every day. Prime Minister Ariel Henry has announced his decision to step down, but it is uncertain who will take over or when. There is still no transitional government in place, and the plans for a Kenyan-led stabilization force have come to a halt.
Residents in Port-au-Prince seldom venture out of their homes due to frequent gun battles between police and gangs on the streets. To address the situation, the United Nations is arranging an air bridge connecting Port-au-Prince with Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic to deliver essential supplies to the city.
UN estimates indicate that gangs currently control eighty percent of Port-au-Prince. The crisis in Haiti escalated in early March when gangs demanded the resignation of Henry and his government.
The country is facing its most crippling security crisis in years, with some 5.5 million people – about half the population – in need of humanitarian assistance.
Armed members of the G9 and Family gang stand guard at their roadblock in the Delmas 6 neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Monday, March 11.
Odelyn Joseph/AP/File
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Henry took office in 2021 without being elected, following the assassination of Haiti’s then-President Jovenel Moïse. During his time as president, gang violence in the country has worsened, especially after he postponed elections last month due to concerns about security. In response to mounting pressure to address the violence, Henry resigned on Monday.
Many people with connections to Haiti, like Petit, live in fear each day as they constantly check their phones for news of loved ones being attacked, homes being destroyed, or even deaths. The stress of living with this ongoing violence is overwhelming for many.
Florida state Rep. Dotie Joseph, a Democrat who represents North Miami and was born in Haiti, along with Haitian community leaders and elected officials in Florida, are criticizing DeSantis for using the plight of vulnerable refugees for political gain.
They believe that instead of intimidating refugees who are fleeing for their lives, DeSantis should focus on collaborating with federal partners to ensure that shipments from Florida are thoroughly inspected for illegal arms and munitions.
It is important to show kindness and respect to people escaping violence, instead of using their situation for personal or political advantage.
This report was a collaborative effort by CNN’s Caitlin Stephen Hu, David Culver, Evelio Contreras, Tara John, Carlos Suarez, and Denise Royal.
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