Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is stirring controversy by proposing extrajudicial killings at the border to combat drug cartels. His bold stance has ignited a heated debate on immigration and the use of lethal force.
Killing on Sight
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has drawn applause from the audience at Sean Hannity’s studio when he promised extrajudicial killings at the border to stop the flow of illegal drugs into the country.
A Shocking Proposal
He proposed killing alleged drug cartel members on sight to stem the flow of drugs into the United States,
“They Will Get the Message”
“We’re using lethal force against the cartels. If they’re bringing fentanyl in, breaking into our country, we’re going to leave them stone cold dead at the border,” DeSantis said. “Trust me, they will get the message.”
No Exact Plan to Identify Cartel Members
However, it’s not clear how DeSantis plans to identify the alleged cartel members that need to be executed.
His Statements
“There’s not going to be authorization to just shoot somebody like that, but when somebody’s got a backpack on and they’re breaking through the wall, you know, that’s hostile intent and you have every right to take action under those circumstances.”
Only Those Who “Appear” to Be Cartel Members Would Be Targeted
The Florida Governor clarified that only those who “appeared” to be members of drug cartels would be targeted. He didn’t offer an explanation on what makes someone appear to be a cartel member.
Immigration Authorities Have Contradicted This Notion
While certain Republicans argue that the rising influx of migrants at the U.S. border can be attributed to drug cartels engaging in smuggling activities, immigration authorities have contradicted this notion.
Challenges in Policing the Border
According to an NPR report, immigration authorities contend that the vast majority of drugs entering the United States are transported by individuals who have legal permission to cross the border.
Violation of the Torture Victim Protection Act
Critics of the proposed action said that DeSantis’ plan would violate the Torture Victim Protection Act of 1991, which prohibits government officials from committing extrajudicial killings.
DeSantis’ Hard-Line Approach to Immigration
DeSantis, vying for a Republican Presidential nomination, is known for his hardline immigration approach.
Florida Passed the Harshest Anti-immigrant Law in the Country
In May, Florida passed one of the most stringent anti-immigrant laws in the nation.
Republicans Push for Increased Funding
The legislation, endorsed by the Republican-dominated legislature, will grant the state increased funding for a contentious program previously employed by DeSantis to transport migrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard.
DeSantis Criticizes Biden’s Approach to Immigration
DeSantis frequently criticizes Biden’s handling of the situation at the southern U.S. border.
Holding Biden’s Policies Responsible
In the past, DeSantis has blamed Biden’s immigration policies for the growing number of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, many of whom make a dangerous trek through Mexico from South and Central America.
Other Candidates Expressed Similar Ideas
In addition to DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, and prominent figure Donald Trump have all proposed the idea of employing the US military to combat drug cartels in the southern border region.
Republican Talk About Military Action in Mexico Keeps Growing
The conversation about military intervention to fight drug cartels south of the border emerged earlier this year, followed by Congress Republicans proposing formal war powers for the president to order U.S. troops against Mexican drug gangs.
Republicans in Congress Introduce Legislation
In March, Republicans introduced legislation to designate a number of cartel groups as “foreign terrorist organizations,” which would open the door for the US to use its military power.
Foreign Experts Sound Alarm
Some foreign policy experts have also warned that growing calls for military operations in Mexico among Republicans shouldn’t be taken lightly, as any intervention could deal a major blow to the already rocky U.S.-Mexico relations.
Impact on Trade, Intelligence, and Migration
Such interventions could affect a broad spectrum of issues, including trade, intelligence cooperation and Mexico’s role in holding off the stream of migrants that use the country as a transit point for getting to the United States border from Central and South America.
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The post “Trust Me, They Will Get the Message” – DeSantis Stirs Controversy With Radical Pledge, Promises Extrajudicial Border Actions to Counter Drug Trafficking first appeared on Fistful of Dollars.
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