Rep. Byron Donalds blames illegal immigration for measles outbreak, but CDC data says otherwise

NAPLES, Fla. – Rep. Byron Donalds, the Republican gubernatorial candidate, says illegal immigration is the driving force behind a spike in measles cases across the country.

But public health data does not back up that claim.

Appearing on Face the Nation, Donalds said the measles outbreak across the country can be traced back to the previous White House administration.

"My message to Floridians and quite frankly to Americans is the reason why we have seen a measles outbreak in certain parts of the country is because of rampant illegal immigration into the United States from the previous administration," said Donalds.

Florida ranks sixth in the country for measles cases, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The latest CDC numbers show 2,777 confirmed measles cases in the country. Of those cases, only 16 were reported to be international visitors. The data does not list a person's immigration status.

When pressed for evidence, Donalds pointed to a recent outbreak in Collier County.

"We've seen the outbreaks in El Paso, Texas, in Southwest Florida, where I live, and many other parts where you know that you have a situation," said Donalds. "People have come into the country illegally, have not had that vaccination schedule and not the ones today on young kids that parents do have concerns about."

In January and February, Collier County saw a spike in measles cases centered around Ave Maria University, where 57 confirmed cases were reported on campus.

WINK Investigates reached out to the Donalds campaign asking what evidence backs up the congressman's claims and whether he believes parents should follow CDC vaccine guidance. 

The campaign says Congressman Donalds was referring to reported measles cases and outbreaks linked to migrant shelters and detention facilities in several states. The campaign cited reporting from FOX outlets on measles incidents at a Texas ICE detention center, a Chicago migrant shelter, and a large migrant shelter in New York City.

Gates McGavick, Communications Director for Byron Donalds for Governor, provided the following statement: “Byron wants Florida’s children to be healthy and for parents to be in the driver’s seat. Byron will follow facts and data to ensure a healthy Florida.”

The Florida Democratic Party has responded to Donalds' interview, saying the Republican is making Florida kids less safe.

“Florida parents need a governor who listens to science, not one who treats their kids' immunity like a political experiment,” said Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried.

Two unvaccinated people in Pennsylvania have died from measles, marking the first measles deaths of the year.

The CDC says most measles cases involved unvaccinated American citizens traveling to other countries.