DeSantis takes credit for migrants flown to Martha’s Vineyard

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis took responsibility for flying 50 migrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard, escalating a tactic by Republican governors to draw attention to what they contend is the Biden administration’s failed border policies.

NPR reported that a plane originated in San Antonio on Wednesday, made stops in Florida and South Carolina before flying on to the exclusive island off Cape Cod in Massachusetts.

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The New York Times and other news outlets reported that there were about 50 people flown in all, including some children. At least some of the migrants said they had started the day in San Antonio, Texas, but a spokeswoman for DeSantis said the Florida took control of the transfer.

The operation was part of an effort to “transport illegal immigrants to sanctuary destinations,” said Taryn Fenske, DeSantis’ communications director.

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The Legislature appropriated $12 million to hire private companies that would move migrants out of the state. The governor had recently said the program was on hold.

Fenske did not elaborate on the legal status of the migrants. Many people who cross the border illegally from Mexico are temporarily shielded from deportation after being freed by U.S. authorities to pursue asylum in immigration court, which is allowed under U.S. law and international treaty.

The move is likely to win praise from DeSantis’ supporters who deride Democrat-led, immigrant-friendly “sanctuary” cities and anger critics who say he is weaponizing migrants as pawns for political gain.

In a statement, Manny Diaz, chair of the Florida Democratic Party, blasted DeSantis, who’s seeking reelection against Democrat U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist on Nov. 8.

“Ron DeSantis is playing games with the lives of people who came here in search of freedom and opportunity in order to boost his campaign fundraising and Fox News ratings,” he said. “He is saying that his political career is more important than our lives. That’s the type of politician he is, and that’s why we need to stand together and vote him out of office in November.”

In Massachusetts, Republican Gov. Charlie Baker said he was in touch with local officials and that short-term shelter was being provided.

State Rep. Dylan Fernandes, who represents Martha’s Vineyard, tweeted: “Our island jumped into action putting together 50 beds, giving everyone a good meal, providing a play area for the children, making sure people have the healthcare and support they need. We are a community that comes together to support immigrants.”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott began busing thousands of migrants to Washington in April and recently added New York and Chicago as destinations. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has been busing migrants to Washington since May. Passengers must sign waivers that the free trips are voluntary.

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DeSantis appears to be taking the strategy to a new level by choosing Martha’s Vineyard, whose towns are far less prepared than New York or Washington for large influxes of migrants.

One of the migrants, who asked to be identified only as Leonel, told the New York Times that the people of Martha’s Vineyard were generous and that he “had never seen anything like it.” They gave him a pair of shoes.

“I haven’t slept well in three months,” said Leonel, who does not have any relatives or friends in the United States. “It’s been three months since I put on a new pair of pants. Or shoes.”

Leonel, 45, said he had left Venezuela about three months ago. The Times reported that many of the migrants appeared to be from that country. Leonel said they began the day in San Antonio and agreed to go to Massachusetts.