Ron DeSantis Unveils Aggressive Immigration Policy Proposal to Combat Drug Cartels

Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis unveiled an aggressive immigration policy proposal on Monday in Eagle Pass, Texas. The sweeping plan, the Florida governor’s first detailed policy release as a 2024 contender, includes ending birthright citizenship, finishing the construction of the southern border wall and sending U.S. forces into Mexico to combat drug cartels.

At a press conference, DeSantis said drug cartels have been cutting through “massive beams” in the border wall and have “backpacks” that they use to bring in drugs. He also said he supported using “deadly force” against migrants coming into the United States who were suspected of bringing in drugs.

During the event, DeSantis engaged with local residents and voters while speaking about border security issues. He said that if someone were to break into a Texas rancher’s property, the rancher would respond. He also noted that once someone gets through the wall, they are already on U.S. soil.

The immigration plan represents a long-established wish list for DeSantis, but it is unclear how officers would be able to tell exactly who was a drug smuggler and who was not. The proposal has been met with both support and criticism from both sides of the aisle. It remains to be seen how the plan will be implemented and if it will be successful in achieving its goals.