After the devastation from hurricanes Helene and Milton, nearly all looters arrested in Pinellas County, Florida, were found to be illegal migrants, according to Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. Of the 45 arrests made for looting-related offenses, including armed robbery and burglary, 41 suspects were identified as undocumented migrants, sparking local concerns over crime and public safety.
Gualtieri praised the effectiveness of local law enforcement, stating, “A lot of these people were in the area to take others’ properties, and our efforts prevented additional crimes.” His team also questioned 196 people in connection to the looting incidents, ultimately releasing 163 individuals who were also identified as undocumented.
The Pinellas County Sheriff says that 41 out of 45 looting, robbery and burglary suspects who were arrested for allegedly targeting vulnerable Floridians after Hurricane Helene and Milton are foreign national migrants. pic.twitter.com/jtyqg7Di9P
— Andy Ngo 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) October 27, 2024
The hurricanes left a substantial impact, with at least 230 deaths attributed to Hurricane Helene and 32 more to Hurricane Milton, as damages mount to billions of dollars across the affected regions. To support recovery, President Donald J. Trump opened his Trump National Doral Miami resort to 275 linemen who were critical to restoring power across Florida, while FEMA has faced mounting criticism over its response.
Elon Musk, who provided Starlink satellite Internet to storm-hit areas, and Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) both accused FEMA of obstructing aid distribution, particularly following Hurricane Helene. FEMA later acknowledged that aid had been paused temporarily in North Carolina over safety concerns for its personnel, a move questioned by those affected.
Really Kamala? Florida: 41 out of 45 looting and burglary suspects post-hurricane were migrants… – Revolver Newshttps://t.co/kAWtvB6ds4
— sdylan (@sdyll1) October 30, 2024
As Florida works to rebuild, the recent arrests are fueling discussions on the link between illegal migration and crime during disasters. Officials argue that more robust immigration enforcement could help prevent future criminal exploitation of communities in vulnerable times, stressing the need for policies that enhance both security and recovery efforts.