Overview

• Florida Congressman Carlos Gimenez raised concerns over the illegal immigration of 17 Chinese nationals, who were apprehended in Key Largo, Florida. Along with them, three Ecuadorian nationals were also arrested.
• Gimenez, a member of Homeland Security and China select committees, suggested these incidents could be linked to China's growing influence in Cuba and the Bahamas, and called for an investigation into their reasoning for entering the US.
• The congressman questioned federal government policies, stating that the surge in migrants landing in the US could be attributed to the lax border policies under the Biden administration.
• The issue of illegal migration was further connected with China's urge to have more infrastructure and influence in Cuba. Earlier this year, Cuba permitted China to establish an electronic surveillance facility on the island.
• The congressman also noted there have been instances where Chinese nationals posing as tourists have allegedly breached military bases and photographed sensitive installations in the US, pointing to possible security threats.