Migration Patterns: More Haitian Migrants Head to California Than Florida

Despite being thousands of miles closer, California is experiencing a higher influx of Haitian migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border compared to states like Florida and Texas.

The situation in Haiti remains dire following recent jailbreaks orchestrated by armed gangs, leaving over 4,500 inmates escaped. Violence continues to plague the country, with gangs controlling a significant portion of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

In March alone, California border agents encountered 2,622 Haitians, continuing the upward trend in migration since the fiscal year began in October. The total number of crossings in that period reached 8,901.

Some migrants unlawfully cross into California, while others seek asylum or use legal pathways provided by programs like the one established by the Biden administration last year for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans.

The number of encounters at California’s borders doubled from January to February, reaching 2,220. In the entire fiscal year of 2023, a record 13,641 Haitian migrants were encountered at the California border.

Although the distance from Haiti to California by plane is significantly greater than to Florida, migration to Florida saw a drastic decline in March.

While Florida has seen a surge in border encounters this fiscal year, data shows an 8,249-person decrease in March compared to February, with only 2,907 crossings recorded.

Similarly, Texas also experienced a drop in crossings from February to March, though the numbers remain higher than those in October and November.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and law enforcement officials have taken swift action to address the situation, deploying additional officers and resources to protect the state’s southern coast.

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DeSantis recently signed bills aimed at deterring illegal immigration, including enhanced penalties for deported persons returning to the U.S.

Law enforcement agencies in Florida remain vigilant and collaborate to mitigate domestic risks posed by illegal immigrants, including those from Haiti. Longtime Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw emphasized their preparedness to address challenges at all times.