Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Sends 2 Planes Full of Migrants to Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had sent two planes full of migrants to Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts as part of his promise to drop off illegal immigrants in progressive states.
Migrants deboarding the planes on Wednesday at Martha's Vineyard Airport were seen in a video provided to Fox News. DeSantis' communications director Taryn Fenske confirmed to the outlet that two planes with illegal migrants arrived in Martha's Vineyard, adding that it was part of the state's relocation program to transport migrants to sanctuary destinations.
Fenske noted that states like Massachusetts, New York, and California will better "facilitate the care of these individuals who they have invited into our country by incentivizing illegal immigration through their designation as 'sanctuary states' and support for the Biden administration's open border policies."
She said the Florida legislature had allotted $12 million to impose the program to facilitate the transport of migrants from the state.
READ NEXT: Texas, Arizona Keep Sending Buses of Migrants to Washington; DC Mayor Devotes $10 Million to Help
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Sends Migrants to Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts
Spokesperson for Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Terry MacCormack, told Axios that the governor's office was in touch with local officials in connection with the arrival of migrants in Martha's Vineyard.
MacCormack noted that short-term shelter services were being provided to migrants by the administration and local officials at this time. Martha's Vineyard has been a known destination for summer vacations and is only accessible by plane or ferry.
According to multiple reports, about 50 migrants arrived in two chartered planes, some of whom had come from Texas. The Martha's Vineyard Times reported that some of the migrants were Venezuelans.
Julian Cyr, a Massachusetts Senator representing Cape Cod, told The Vineyard Gazette that he knew that one plane left from San Antonio, Texas as he clarified conflicting reports about where the planes originated.
He added that this appeared to be part of a bigger campaign to divert illegal immigrants from border states such as Texas and Florida. Ron DeSantis' office previously said that migrants could be transported to "'progressive' states whose governors endorse blatant violations of federal immigration law."
The governor's office added that Florida residents should not be held responsible for subsidizing illegal immigrants' costs of living. Massachusetts officials were reportedly discussing plans for potential Texas migrants prior to the Florida governor's' move on Wednesday.
Migrants Sent to the Other States
Texas has also been sending migrants to other states such as New York City, Washington D.C., and Chicago in an effort to alleviate its migrant crisis.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said on Wednesday that the city was at a "breaking point" after thousands of migrants were bussed from Texas. Adams told Fox News that they have experienced "an unprecedented surge of asylum seekers arriving from the southern border."
Texas has sent more than 2,200 migrants to New York City since early August, while Washington D.C. received 7,900 and Chicago got about 300 migrants.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said these city mayors complained "about a few dozen or few hundred migrants" coming to their towns. However, he noted that it was only a fraction of what Texas faces on a daily basis.
To respond to the migrants' crisis and help with the busloads of migrants arriving, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser had asked twice for the National Guard troops to be deployed to the city. However, Pentagon has denied those requests.
READ MORE: Texas Police Shoot, Kill Gunman at Youth Summer Camp After He Opened Fire
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Mary Webber
WATCH: DeSantis Administration Takes Credit for Sending 'Illegal Immigrants' to Martha's Vineyard - From CBS Miami
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!