Lawyers for Civil Rights requests criminal investigation of Martha’s Vineyard ‘political stunt’

Three days after 50 migrants landed on Martha’s Vineyard as part of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ deportation program, Lawyers for Civil Rights called upon U.S. attorney Rachael Rollins and Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey to open a criminal investigation into what they called a “political stunt.”

In a Saturday press release, LCR stated that they now represent over 30 of the migrants that were given food and shelter upon arriving unexpectedly on Martha’s Vineyard last week. According to LCR, the migrants were persuaded to board airplanes and cross state lines under false pretenses, alleging that state officials, including DeSantis, promised the group opportunities for work, schooling and and immigration assistance.

According to LCR, those that made the initial promises to the migrants ceased contact once the two planes landed, “leaving the immigrants to learn that the offers of assistance had all been a ruse to exploit them for political purposes.”

“Particularly given the deliberate, intentional, and concerted nature of the interference by State actors into federal immigration enforcement, LCR emphasizes that a strong and coordinated federal response is required,” the statement reads in part.

LCR also states that several members of their staff have received harassment; in addition to alleging that the organization’s website was sabotaged as attorneys escorted the migrants off Martha’s Vineyard.

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