Planes full of immigrants dropped off in Martha’s Vineyard, reportedly sent by Florida Gov. DeSantis

Immigrants from Venezuela and Colombia landed in Martha’s Vineyard Wednesday, many of them unaware of where they are after being shipped there from out of state.

Gov. Ron DeSantis took credit for flying the immigrants to the island, according to a statement sent to MassLive. DeSantis sent two planes of immigrants as part of “the state’s relocation program to transport illegal immigrants to sanctuary destinations,” the statement said.

“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,” DeSantis Communications Director Taryn Fenske told MassLive.

The Vineyard Gazette reported a plane carrying about 48 migrants landed unexpectedly at Martha’s Vineyard Airport Wednesday afternoon.

“Currently, immigrants are being dropped off on Martha’s Vineyard by chartered flights from Texas,” State Rep. Dylan Fernandes Tweeted. “Many don’t know where they are. They say they were told they would be given housing and jobs. Islanders were given no notice but are coming together as a community to support them.”

In the statement to MassLive, Fenske said in the most recent legislative session in Florida, the Legislature appropriated $12 million to “implement a program to facilitate the transport of illegal immigrants from this state consistent with federal law.”

“Florida’s immigration relocation program both targets human smugglers found in Florida and preempts others from entering,” Fenske said.

The Martha’s Vineyard Times reported it was told that the refugees arrived from Texas, “but the situation has been fluid and there has been a lot of confusion surrounding today’s events.”

In a statement to MassLive, Gov. Charlie Baker’s press secretary, Terry MacCormack, said the administration is in touch with local officials regarding the arrival of migrants in Martha’s Vineyard.”

“At this time, short-term shelter services are being provided by local officials, and the Administration will continue to support those efforts,” he said.

In a later Tweet, Fernandes shared a picture of cots in a room. He said the island “jumped into action” to put together 50 beds, making sure everyone had a meal, providing a play area for children, healthcare resources, and other supports.

“We are a community that comes together to support immigrants,” he said.

This is a developing story.

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