Migrant flight architect to lead Florida’s immigration enforcement

Larry Keefe, the man who played a key role in organizing a flight of illegal immigrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard during the Biden administration, has been selected to lead Florida’s new immigration enforcement board. Keefe, who previously served as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s public safety czar, will now oversee a $250 million budget to enhance the state’s immigration enforcement efforts.

In 2022, Keefe was instrumental in facilitating a contract for private contractor Vertol Systems Company to transport dozens of mostly Venezuelan migrants from San Antonio to Martha’s Vineyard. This initiative took place at a time when illegal border crossings were on the rise under the Biden administration, with over 2 million incidents reported during the fiscal year.

The establishment of Florida’s new immigration enforcement board was a result of a recent special legislative session called by Governor DeSantis to advance the implementation of former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Attorney General James Uthmeier nominated Keefe to lead the board during an emergency meeting, shortly after being appointed by the governor himself.

Uthmeier praised Keefe for his previous work as the state’s public safety czar, highlighting his collaboration with law enforcement agencies to combat illegal immigration and his involvement in organizing relocation flights, including the one to Martha’s Vineyard. Governor DeSantis commended Keefe’s efforts, stating that the flight to Martha’s Vineyard shifted the immigration debate from being solely a border state issue to a concern for all states.

Keefe’s appointment comes at a crucial time as the immigration issue continues to be a focal point in national politics. Governor DeSantis emphasized the importance of strong immigration enforcement measures, citing the impact of the Martha’s Vineyard flight on raising awareness about the broader implications of illegal immigration.

In response to inquiries, Governor DeSantis’s office reiterated his confidence in Keefe’s abilities to lead the state’s immigration enforcement efforts effectively. Keefe’s track record as a dedicated public servant and his experience in law enforcement make him well-suited to spearhead Florida’s initiatives to address immigration challenges.

The selection of Larry Keefe to head Florida’s new immigration enforcement board underscores the state’s commitment to upholding immigration laws and protecting its borders. With his leadership, Florida aims to strengthen its enforcement capabilities and contribute to national efforts to address the complex issue of illegal immigration.