A recent crime wave in Florida has stirred concerns following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with a significant number of undocumented immigrants linked to the offenses.
At a Glance
- Most looting suspects post-hurricanes are illegal immigrants.
- 45 arrests made in Pinellas County for serious crimes.
- 163 of 196 questioned were undocumented individuals.
- $250 million worth of scams targeting hurricane victims.
Post-Hurricane Crime Surge
After the devastation by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Florida experienced an uptick in crime by undocumented immigrants. Nearly all looting suspects arrested were found to be illegal immigrants from countries such as Mexico, Cuba, and Honduras. In particular, Pinellas County deputies arrested 45 individuals on charges of armed robbery, burglary, and grand theft. Only two of these suspects hailed from Pinellas County, while the rest traveled from other regions to exploit the chaotic aftermath of the storms.
Efforts to curb this rise in crime include the questioning of 196 individuals under suspicious circumstances, of which 163 were undocumented aliens. Sheriff’s deputies face challenges as opportunistic criminals target vulnerable Florida residents.
Almost all looting suspects arrested in Florida county after hurricanes are illegal migrants: sheriff https://t.co/zelsDtZkoG pic.twitter.com/7HbfYMbZc8
— New York Post (@nypost) October 27, 2024
The Impact on Local Communities
Pinellas County has become a focal point for criminal activities post-hurricanes, with law enforcement identifying a pattern of outsiders infiltrating and committing crimes against locals. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri highlighted the problem stating, “Of the 45 burglars and thieves that we’ve arrested, only two were from Pinellas County. The rest came here from out of the area to steal from our residents and businesses.”
“Of the 45 burglars and thieves that we’ve arrested, only two were from Pinellas County. The rest came here from out of the area to steal from our residents and businesses.” – Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri
Local business owners like Bill Karns witnessed the destructive behavior firsthand, prompting increased vigilance within the community. Many businesses remain shuttered, grappling to secure their properties amidst ongoing threats.
Florida deputies arrest dozens of illegal immigrants allegedly caught looting from Hurricane Milton victims: Deputies in Pinellas County, Florida, said they’ve arrested 45 people for looting in the weeks after hurricanes Helene and Milton,… https://t.co/IbSfIQ934i #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/kyFLFaRyRD
— ZBreakingNewz (@ZBreakingNewz) October 27, 2024
Law Enforcement Response
Authorities doubled patrol efforts as looters supposedly exploited homes and businesses in recovery. Fraudulent contractors defrauded hurricane victims of $250 million by promising services like roofing and plumbing that were never delivered. Pinellas County officials emphasized their commitment to protecting residents and businesses as they rebuild, deploying 80 additional officers to tackle the crime wave.
“Our effort to protect the community has not stopped with these hurricanes’ direct impact. We are now focused on protecting our residents and our businesses who are desperate to rebuild and get on with their lives.” – Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri
The sheriff’s office remains resolute in its mission, continuing patrols to ensure the safety of those affected by the hurricanes. The community’s priority now is combating these criminal elements while fostering a safe environment to recover and rebuild.
Sources:
Alarming number of illegal aliens suspected of looting after Florida hurricanes