For many years, the United States has primarily concentrated on addressing issues related to individuals residing in or entering the country illegally, with a particular emphasis on the southern border.
Given the vast expanse of desert terrain and the presence of impoverished Latin American countries in close proximity, it was only logical that such a decision was made.
Now, as the situation at the southern border descends into complete chaos, migrants and the human traffickers who aid them are increasingly turning to America’s shorelines as an alternative entry point.
Illegal entry into the United States via the sea is not a new occurrence, but recent reports suggest a surge in waterborne smuggling activities. These incursions have become bolder and more audacious. Just this month, a video captured a small motorboat racing onto Carlsbad, Calif., beach in broad daylight. More than 20 individuals quickly disembarked from the vessel and fled towards the town, leaving bewildered onlookers in their wake. Some of these intruders jumped into a waiting SUV and swiftly drove away. Clearly, this was a well-planned escape, likely orchestrated by one of the cartels that now exert control over who enters the United States.
Florida has been experiencing a growing trend of incidents involving illegal maritime entries. One such incident occurred recently when a boat carrying 25 Haitian migrants was intercepted by the U.S. Border Patrol off the coast of Miami. This is not an isolated event, as Florida, due to its proximity to the Caribbean islands, has been significantly impacted by unauthorized maritime arrivals. One of the most notable occurrences was the Mariel Boatlift in 1980, during which a large number of Cubans sought refuge in South Florida. Additionally, in 1991, approximately 40,000 Haitians attempted a similar entry. In 2022, the Coast Guard apprehended 113 Haitians after their overloaded vessel ran aground near Key Largo. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Florida in managing illegal maritime immigration.
In the United Kingdom, just like the United States, there has been an increase in the number of illegal immigrants arriving by boat. Recently, 748 illegal aliens were brought ashore in Dover after crossing the English Channel from France. This year alone, over 6,000 foreign nationals have made the dangerous journey across the channel in an attempt to enter England illegally. Videos of migrants landing on tourist-packed beaches in Spain and seamlessly blending into the city can easily be found online.
Those who strongly advocate for open borders may attempt to dismiss these instances of maritime incursions, but a logical analysis using Occam’s Razor reveals some straightforward explanations. The length of the U.S.-Mexico border is less than 2,000 miles, and our Border Patrol is currently grappling with overwhelming challenges as they strive to protect it, receiving minimal assistance from the executive branch. In contrast, the shorelines of the United States span over 95,000 miles. It is an illusion to believe that we can effectively patrol these extensive coastlines under the prevailing political climate.
The White House has sent a strong message to the international community: If you are apprehended for entering the United States illegally, you will likely be granted entry into the country and allowed to stay indefinitely. Activist lawyers have found a way to bypass the asylum requirements by providing certain key phrases. This unofficial signal has significant implications for immigration policies.
The possibility of our coasts becoming a new battleground in the border crisis also poses a security risk. In the fiscal year 2023, the Border Patrol apprehended 127 noncitizens on the FBI’s terror watchlist who attempted to enter the U.S. through the Mexican or Canadian borders. With the presence of a significant number of “gotaways” already in the country, there is a concerning possibility that a sizable population of foreign terrorists now resides among us. The vulnerability of our coastline provides yet another avenue for those intent on inflicting significant harm to our nation.
The White House is attempting to shift blame for the border crisis it caused by suddenly adopting a tough stance on border security and stricter rules for accepting asylum seekers. However, these measures are belated and ineffective, like closing the barn door after the horse has already escaped. Given the administration’s history, it is likely that these statements are merely self-serving and will either not be implemented or have minimal impact. Notably absent from this rhetoric is any acknowledgement of the maritime entries or a concrete plan to address them.
Your trip to the beach this summer could be disrupted by an illegal alien fleeing from the authorities and seeking refuge in a nearby sanctuary city, all due to the lax border enforcement that has been in place historically. As a result, your sandcastle might be knocked over by this unexpected turn of events.
