Larry Keefe, a key figure in the 2022 relocation of migrants from Texas to Martha's Vineyard, has been selected to spearhead Florida's newly established immigration enforcement board. With a budget of $250 million, Keefe will oversee the state's efforts to strengthen immigration control measures.
Keefe, who previously served as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's public safety advisor, played a central role in arranging the flight of primarily Venezuelan migrants to Martha's Vineyard during a period of increased border crossings under the Biden administration. He facilitated a $1.5 million contract with Vertol Systems Company for the transport of the migrants from San Antonio to the Massachusetts island.
The newly formed board, which Keefe will lead, is a product of a recent special legislative session convened by Governor DeSantis. This session aimed to further the implementation of immigration policies reminiscent of those enacted during the Trump presidency.
During the board's inaugural meeting, Attorney General James Uthmeier nominated Keefe for the executive director position, highlighting Keefe's prior experience collaborating with law enforcement agencies across Florida to enhance interdiction efforts. Uthmeier also emphasized Keefe's contributions to data collection initiatives aimed at understanding the financial implications of increased immigration on the state.
Governor DeSantis asserted that Keefe's involvement in the Martha's Vineyard migrant relocation significantly altered the national immigration discourse. He argued that the incident shifted the perception of immigration from a border-state issue to a national concern, prompting reactions from major cities like New York, California, and Chicago, and ultimately influencing the 2024 election.
Governor DeSantis expressed confidence in Keefe's abilities and predicted his success in leading the state's immigration enforcement efforts.
