It may appear that I am becoming a broken record on the issue of Cuba-Haiti-Nicaragua-Venezuela (CHNV) “legal” migrants invading the state. As citizens beyond affected areas shrug their virtual and literal shoulders, it sometimes feels as though many of us are screaming into the void. But all you have to do is look at the damage done in Aurora, Colo., and Springfield, Ohio, to recognize that 1) our state is deliberately being targeted and overwhelmed, 2) it is not solely because migrants want to better themselves, and 3) the situation can go sideways very quickly, and we would have no recourse or resources to properly address it.

Thanks to the national coverage of the targeted overrun in Sylacauga by Fox News, and our own Editor-in-Chief Jeff Poor’s appearance on the Charlie Kirk show, our state and national elected officials are getting more focused on issuing statements and making promises to investigate citizens’ concerns. But some of the responses to this crisis are still disheartening.

As Erica Thomas reported for 1819 News, immigration whistleblower Jay Palmer alleged that between 800 and 1,200 Haitian migrants were expected to infiltrate Mobile and Baldwin County in the coming weeks. But U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) believes the whole migrant crisis story is out of hand:

U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) said he worked throughout the weekend speaking to other lawmakers and local leaders about the idea of 1,000 Haitian migrants being settled in Baldwin County.

‘All weekend I have worked with Jennifer Fidler, Hoss Mack, Anthony Lowery, the new sheriff, Sherry Sullivan, the mayor of Fairhope,’ he said. ‘I mean it's just been a who's who of people. We've been working all weekend trying to run facts down."

‘I can give you what I think the scenario is because nobody knows,’ Carl added. ‘I think it is a story that's gotten way out of hand.’

With all due respect to Carl, his skepticism does nothing to prepare the citizens of Mobile and Baldwin County if he happens to be wrong. As someone with firsthand experience on how this type of influx and attack on the systems of law, order and governance can dismantle a state, I believe Carl fails to understand that Aurora and Springfield were test runs. Things can get very bad, very quickly if vigilance is not employed.

This heartbreaking story told by a Fairhope citizen should give everyone pause:

Anecdotally, I know of at least two instances of accidents and property damage caused by the migrant Haitians and their poor driving ability. Thus far, I have been stonewalled in obtaining just how many accidents have occurred in certain counties since the migrant surge.

Attorney General Steve Marshall has acknowledged that there appears to be a real issue at hand, but he is focusing on promoting the importance of one’s vote:

‘This is also an example of where elections matter,’ Marshall told 1819 News. ‘And when you see an administration use a parole program completely contrary to its purpose, then I think that's one thing that folks ought to consider when they cast their vote in November.’

Marshall spoke to the Alabama Board of Registrars last week and reminded them his office will employ tools to help them protect election integrity as more migrants move to the state.

Notwithstanding Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen’s action and diligence on this matter, my own investigative work shows this 2024 election is ripe to be compromised, even in deep red Alabama. The danger of a compromised election is clear, present and already occurring here and in other states.

The investigative publication Muckraker.com, in partnership with the Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project, has uncovered that mail-in ballots are indeed being sent to illegal aliens and they have been instructed to vote a particular way. In swing states like Georgia and North Carolina, illegal aliens have personally registered as citizens to vote, also receiving instructions for whom to vote.

There have already been instances of voter fraud in Clay County, and lest we forget, one illegal alien managed to vote in both the 2016 and 2020 elections before she was discovered and stopped.

So, while Marshall’s commitment is not in question, his office can only deal with these issues after the crimes occur. Meanwhile, small towns and counties are overwhelmed with a populace that is so far difficult to manage, and whose origin and aims are still unclear.

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth’s letter to the Biden-Harris administration is a strong volley, and his commitment to not receive federal funds that facilitate this influx is commendable; but there needs to be more concrete action at the state level pressuring local level law enforcement and officials to reign in this problem. I know of several NGOs operating in the state who facilitate resettlement. They, along with any local parties, need to give an accounting.

We have a preview in Aurora and Springfield of the damages that can result. There is much at stake.

Jennifer Oliver O'Connell, As the Girl Turns, is an investigative journalist, author, opinion analyst, and contributor to 1819 News, Redstate, and other publications. Jennifer writes on Politics and Pop Culture, with occasional detours into Reinvention, Yoga, and Food. You can read more about Jennifer's world at her As the Girl Turns website. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Telegram.

The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819news.com. 

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