Exclusive: Florida man’s boat stolen to ferry illegal immigrants; DHS does nothing

Written by Allen West on July 10, 2014



The situation unfolding at our southern border is beyond disturbing – but border security is not only a problem for Texas and Arizona. It even reaches here to Florida — and it’s not new.
Mike Fimiani, a fellow Floridian, shared with me his personal story from 2013 when his boat was stolen, taken to Cuba, and most likely taken to Mexico with a cargo of illegal immigrants. Mike writes,
“When I hear President Obama and other Democrat leaders claim our border is secure it infuriates me. I have attached a Homeland Security photograph of my boat cruising off the coast of Cuba. It looks like a nice day on the water. The problem is I am not on the boat. It is filled with illegal immigrants from Cuba. My boat was stolen from my home in Marathon, Florida in the Keys. It was then taken off the coast of Cuba, filled with illegal aliens and then most likely taken to Isla Mujeres off the coast of Cancun in Mexico.”



When Homeland Security contacted Mike about what happened with his boat, he gave them the order to put two .50 cal bullets into the engines and strand these criminals “DIW” — dead in the water. The DHS did not comply with the request, saying they were not authorized — another example of our insidious ROE, rules of engagement.
This border invasion reflects a president and administration that is delusional and dismissive of the concerns of American citizens. The typical liberal progressive response is to attack hardworking, law-abiding Americans as “uncaring” and “lacking compassion” — hardly the truth. As I stated previously, I do believe there is a sleeping giant awakening to this crisis that engages our national security, our sovereignty, our economy and our healthcare.
Of course, what I get in return are incessant progressive socialist partisan personal attacks, which I will happily absorb, but I’m not the only one affected by these insidious policies and lies.
I applaud Mike for his courage to speak up — as you can only imagine the personal attacks which he may have to endure. However, this is the point we find ourselves in America where everyday citizens are no longer willing to sit silently. Heed his words. I can tell you, as we talked on the phone he was overcome with emotion as he articulated his concern for his children — our dreamers.
Steadfast and Loyal, Mike!

Here is Mike’s letter in its entirety:
July 9, 2014
Dear Lt. Colonel West:
After witnessing the crisis unfold on our southern border over the last few weeks, I felt compelled to write to you regarding the problem.
When I hear President Obama and other Democrat leaders claim our border is secure it infuriates me. I have attached a Homeland Security photograph of my boat cruising off the coast of Cuba. It looks like a nice day on the water. The problem is I am not on the boat. It is filled with illegal immigrants from Cuba. My boat was stolen from my home in Marathon, Florida in the Keys. It was then taken off the coast of Cuba, filled with illegal aliens and then most likely taken to Isla Mujeres off the coast of Cancun in Mexico. This is due to the wet foot/dry foot/dusty foot policy that applies to Cubans. It has become harder to come directly to the U.S. via water so they are going to Mexico and coming across our southern border.
My boat was never recovered. I will never know who stole my boat. There will never be any prosecution of the perpetrators. My insurance company was compelled to pay the claim. This has been happening for years under the radar screen with no assistance from our government via immigration policies and border security to stop it. The Mexican government is certainly not doing anything to assist with the situation. In fact there is a Mexican naval facility on Isla Mujeres where most of these boats are taken.
Obviously the Mexican government does not care even though they are supposedly one of our international partners. Hundreds of American citizens are being financially harmed and American insurance companies are racking up tens of millions in losses due to these claims. This has to stop. Our border is not secure and this problem is one more example of that. Policies need to change immediately.
I come from a family of immigrants. My grandfather came to the United States from Italy in the 1930’s. But he followed the law, became a U.S. citizen and eventually served in the U.S. Army. He has now passed away but his legacy lives on through his sons and daughters, his grandchildren and now his great grandchildren. That is the American Dream. The problem I have is that the American Dream for the people on my boat in the photo started out with a felony. The border must be secured and the policies must change immediately in order to deter further crimes like these.
I am a supporter of legal immigration. I am a supporter of a strong Cuban community in South Florida. I would support increasing the amount of legal immigrants if it can be proven that we can properly absorb them into our society without negatively impacting our economy. But I will not stand for our laws being broken so blatantly and have our politicians stand by and do nothing. The time has come for things to change. I say we start at the top.
Sincerely,
Mike Fimiani
Boca Raton, Florida

Tags: Department of Homeland Security, illegal immigration

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