Image source: ABC News
Two planes were dispatched Wednesday evening to Martha’s Vineyard, carrying migrants and causing a political fiasco.
The planes were revealed to have been dispatched by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
The move infuriated Democratic politicians and sparked a desperate response that led to humanitarian aid from residents with support from Massachusetts officials.
DeSantis’ action is part of a series of moves by Republican governors to protest what they see as insufficient federal efforts to secure the southern border.
Martha’s Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard is located off the coast of Massachusetts.
It is known as a chic summer destination, especially for the wealthy who want to spend their holidays.
Martha’s Vineyard provided an unusual and unexpected destination for sending migrants.
DeSantis
The day after the two planes were sent to the island, DeSantis was given credit.
“We are not a sanctuary state, and it’s better to be able to go to a sanctuary jurisdiction, and yes, we will help facilitate that transport for you to be able to go to greener pastures,” said the Florida Governor.
“Every community in America should be sharing in the burdens. It shouldn’t all fall on a handful of red states.”
On Thursday, Rachael Rollins, an American attorney from Massachusetts, told reporters she would speak with Justice Department officials about DeSantis’s sending the migrants to the basement.
Rollins said she doesn’t yet have enough information to say if he broke any laws.
She also said her first priority was to make sure people arriving were treated with respect.
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The migrants
More than 50 migrants were caught arriving at Martha’s Vineyard on Wednesday, according to the Massachusetts state senator. Julian Kir.
Cyr is a democrat representing the vineyard.
Edgartown City Manager James Hagerty said officials believed the migrants were from Venezuela.
A local fire chief previously said the migrants on the plane had seven families with four children, aged 3 to 8.
“There was no advance notice to anyone in Martha’s Vineyard or Massachusetts that these migrants were arriving to my knowledge,” said Cyr.
As city officials and state officials communicate next steps, Cyr stressed that the focus now is on supporting migrants who have arrived.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency was established to assist the response efforts of the local population and is expected to coordinate efforts on the ground.
Reaction to the move
The White House and Democratic officials in Florida are outraged by Ron DeSantis’ claim of responsibility.
Florida Democratic President Manny Diaz said:
“Even for Ron DeSantis, this is a new low. There is nothing DeSantis won’t do, and nobody that he won’t hurt, in order to score political points.” “
Charlie Crist, the Democratic candidate for governor of Florida, agrees.
“This is just another political stunt that hurts our state,” he said.
“Tonight, the 4.5 million immigrants who call Florida home must be wondering if they’re next.”
Meanwhile, the White House on Thursday denounced DeSantis’ actions, along with the decision by the Republican Gov. Abbott to send two buses carrying migrants to Vice President Kamala Harris’ residence in the nation’s capital.
A spokesperson for the Homeland Security Department said the migrants from the buses were safely transported to a local church.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre accused the governors of using migrants as “political pawns.”
She condemned their actions, saying they were “a cruel and premeditated political stunt”.
Earlier this year, she told the Republican government of Arizona. Doug Ducey started sending migrants to Washington.
Since then, Abbott has expanded its efforts to include New York and Chicago in a similar move.
Migrants released from state detention typically move on to other cities to complete their immigration procedures.
It is unclear whether the migrants who arrived at Martha’s Vineyard knew where they were going.
Reference:
DeSantis claim credit for sending 2 planes carrying migrants to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts
