MIAMI — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis proposes a $25 million investment in Miami’s Freedom Tower to repair it. This historic building is also known as the Ellis Island of the South, where Cuban refugees were granted government assistance after fleeing the communist island.
DeSantis stated that the amount would be included in his legislative budget recommendations. DeSantis, a Republican governor, stated that the tower is in dire need of structural repairs. However the money will also be used to refurbish the exhibits so they can welcome more people.
DeSantis stated that “Hundreds of thousands of people came through here, the Freedom Tower, Miami, to have a chance to freedom.” We must be responsible stewards for this history.
This announcement was made on Monday, the day of a planned protest march in opposition to Cuba. DeSantis criticized the Biden administration for not supporting activists in Cuba after the July demonstrations.
In July, thousands took to the streets in protest of power outages and shortages as well as to denounce the government. The march planned for Monday was to demand the release of those who were arrested on July 11th and 12. Although prohibited by the Cuban government, organizers still encouraged people to march.
DeSantis said that he has received almost no support from the Biden administration. He is also considering a run for president in 2024. They are missing an historic chance to unite people who want freedom and justice.
As the United States sought to intensify pressure on the communist government, the Biden administration issued new sanctions in July against Cuba’s National Revolution Police and its top two officers.
Ellis Island, New York Harbor, was the country’s busiest immigration station. It welcomed more than 12,000,000 immigrants to America before it closed down in 1954.
