While the Biden administration remains mum on the Haiti conflict, Army veteran and Rep. Cory Mills (R-Florida) took the initiative to rescue 13 more Americans who are trapped in the war-stricken country.
The Florida representative noted that his office rescued members of a children’s ministry to evacuate, including a two-month-old infant and a three-year-old girl.
Rep. Mills wrote on X, “Our team has now successfully rescued and evacuated more Americans than (President Joe) Biden and his entire administration.”
“Americans deserve support from their government, not the pattern of abandonment this administration has shown.”
According to the Florida congressman, his first mission effort was last week as US Rep. Lisa McClain asked for assistance to rescue members of the Have Faith, an orphanage initiated by renowned author Mitch Albom.
Last week, the orphanage wrote on its Instagram, “Thanks to the efforts of Representatives Cory Mills and Lisa McClain and a brave team of pilots, 10 volunteers were able to evacuate Haiti safely via helicopter in the dark and early hours of Tuesday morning.”
Mills’ rescue efforts come as internal conflict in Haiti worsened, with powerful gangs usurping the government and forcing Prime Minister Ariel Henry to step down.
According to aid groups, more than one million Haitians are possibly at risk of famine as criminal gangs monopolize food sources.
On Friday, the Florida lawmaker also shared his frustration with the Biden administration, which failed to lead efforts, especially during global crises.
“You have to almost shame them into doing their job, or to at least shame them into the point where they actually will just support efforts by American citizens who are willing to go over and conduct these rescues and help with the consulate processing once they come out,” the congressman said.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, the State Department announced a lackluster evacuation plan in Cap-Haitien for those Americans who can reach the airport.
Without ground transport, this means American citizens had to trek for about 130 miles north of the country’s capital of Port-au-Prince and risk the possibility of being stopped by these gangs who are blocking major roads.
Worse, the US government required trapped civilians to sign a promissory note agreeing to repay Biden’s administration for their transportation. US officials, who had all the resources, also declined to explore other options to rescue these Americans.
Over the past weeks, gangs have been on a rampage in Haiti. They have shut down public and private institutions and international airports. The leader of the gang, who was known as “Barbeque,” was put in charge as leader of the country after the prime minister resigned.
