Collins Calls for Crackdown on Foreign Threats in Tampa Campaign Stop

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins focuses on national security issues, proposing new policies to address 'enemy penetration' of Florida institutions.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:03pm

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In a campaign stop in Tampa, Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, a Republican candidate for governor, discussed national security threats and proposed a series of policies he would pursue if elected, including banning visa holders from 'nations of terror and/or espionage' from attending Florida universities or working for state contractors. Collins also called for increased counterterrorism training for state and local law enforcement.

Why it matters

Collins' focus on national security and foreign threats reflects a broader trend among Republican candidates in Florida, who are increasingly emphasizing issues of immigration, terrorism, and perceived threats from abroad. This strategy aims to energize the GOP base but raises concerns about civil liberties and the politicization of public safety.

The details

During the press conference near MacDill Air Force Base, the main hub for U.S. military operations in the Middle East, Collins discussed the recent indictments of two Chinese Americans accused of leaving an explosive device outside the base. While authorities said there was no immediate evidence the individuals were working on behalf of the Chinese government, Collins used the incident to call for a crackdown on 'enemy penetration' of Florida's institutions. He proposed banning visa holders from 'nations of terror and/or espionage' from attending state universities or working for companies with government contracts. Collins also advocated for increased counterterrorism training for state and local law enforcement, echoing a similar proposal that died in the state legislature this year.

  • Last week, two Chinese Americans were indicted for allegedly leaving an explosive device outside MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.
  • In 2024, Gov. DeSantis said state and local law enforcement agencies needed to take on more counterterrorism efforts due to a perceived lack of federal engagement.

The players

Jay Collins

The Republican lieutenant governor of Florida and a candidate for governor. Collins is a former U.S. Army Special Forces combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient who served for over two decades, including in Iraq, Afghanistan, and South America.

Greg Kehoe

The U.S. Attorney who announced the indictments of the two Chinese Americans accused of leaving an explosive device outside MacDill Air Force Base.

Sara Adams

A former CIA agent and senior adviser on the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Benghazi, who joined Collins at the press conference.

Joe Kent

The former National Counterterrorism Center Director who stated there are 'around 18,000 known and suspected terrorists that the Biden administration let come into our country.'

Paul Renner

The former Florida House Speaker and Republican candidate for governor who recently announced he would promote a federal ban on Muslim immigration if elected.

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What they’re saying

“We have to have zero tolerance when it comes to enemy penetration of our education, defense, and critical infrastructure institutions.”

— Jay Collins, Florida Lt. Governor

“Now they have come to our country, and so now this is a local problem. Now your local law enforcement, your local sheriff, your state has to thwart these problems, and we need to now make like an infrastructure and a system to do that before it's too late.”

— Sara Adams, Former CIA Agent

What’s next

Collins' proposals, if implemented, would likely face legal challenges and raise concerns about civil liberties and the politicization of public safety. The extent to which these national security-focused campaign promises resonate with Florida voters remains to be seen as the gubernatorial race unfolds.

The takeaway

Collins' emphasis on national security threats and his call for a crackdown on foreign influence reflect a broader trend among Republican candidates in Florida who are increasingly framing political issues through the lens of perceived external dangers. This strategy aims to energize the GOP base but raises questions about the appropriate balance between public safety and individual rights.