Staff Reports
Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, a Republican presidential candidate, has expressed his frustration over the difficulties faced by veterans in finding lodging for the annual Army-Navy college football game in Massachusetts. The state law in Massachusetts requires housing for illegal immigrant families and pregnant women, often in hotels, which has made it harder for many people, including servicemen and women and veterans, to attend the game. Governor DeSantis took to social media to voice his concerns, promising that if he became president, he would prioritize Americans over illegal immigrants.
Massachusetts has experienced an increase in illegal immigrant arrivals, prompting Governor Maura Healey, a Democrat, to declare a state of emergency earlier this year. The state’s “right to shelter” law entitles immigrant families and pregnant women to places to stay, extending beyond traditional homeless shelters to hotels across the state. Governor DeSantis’s administration in Florida has also played a role in transporting immigrants to Martha’s Vineyard, a sanctuary destination for those in the country illegally.
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas, another Republican, has reportedly sent buses of illegal immigrants to cities like New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., but there have been no direct bus transfers to Massachusetts. However, buses from Texas are said to be arriving in Massachusetts alongside the influx of immigrants from the southern border. Despite the reports of service members and veterans struggling to find hotels for the Army-Navy game, Governor Healey’s office did not provide any comment on the matter.
Democratic leaders, including governors and mayors, have started to criticize President Joe Biden’s administration for their perceived inaction on the immigration crisis. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, has been openly critical of Biden and has reportedly stopped speaking to him. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have also demanded additional assistance from the White House to address their own immigration difficulties. There is a growing sentiment among both Democrats and Republicans that increased security measures are necessary along the southern border.
In conclusion, Governor DeSantis highlights the issues faced by veterans in finding lodging for the Army-Navy game in Massachusetts due to the state’s accommodation of illegal immigrants. The influx of immigrants and the “right to shelter” law have made it harder for people to attend the game, causing frustration and highlighting the need to prioritize Americans over illegal immigrants. The immigration crisis has strained relationships between Democratic leaders and President Biden, with requests for more federal assistance going unmet. Both Democrats and Republicans agree on the importance of increasing border security.
