Florida’s Pinellas County Reports Nearly All Hurricane Looters Are Illegal Migrants

In the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office revealed that the majority of looting suspects arrested were illegal migrants. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri reported that 41 of 45 individuals taken into custody for looting-related offenses, including armed robbery and vandalism, were unlawfully present in Florida.

“A lot of these people were in the area to take others’ properties,” Gualtieri stated, praising law enforcement efforts to limit further criminal activity in the storm-ravaged area. Authorities questioned a total of 196 people on suspicion of looting, ultimately releasing 163 individuals, also found to be undocumented.

The hurricanes left a trail of destruction, claiming 230 lives due to Hurricane Helene and 32 more from Hurricane Milton, while damages are estimated to run into the billions. As local communities rebuild, the arrests have raised concerns about the intersection of illegal migration and crime in storm-affected areas.

During recovery efforts, President Donald J. Trump opened his Trump National Doral Miami resort to 275 linemen working on power restoration. However, FEMA, under the Biden-Harris administration, has faced criticism for its response. Elon Musk, who provided Starlink satellite Internet to affected areas, alleged that FEMA blocked aid distribution following Hurricane Helene. FEMA acknowledged a temporary suspension of services in North Carolina, citing safety risks for workers.

As Florida continues its recovery, local officials are stressing the importance of securing communities and preventing further exploitation by illegal migrants during these vulnerable times.

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