On Sep. 14, two planes filled with approximately 50 migrants that had crossed the U.S.-Mexico border were sent to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. The move, supported by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, is only part of a series of actions taken on behalf of Republican governors in response to increasing undocumented migration, including Texas Governor Greg Abbot sending buses of migrants to New York City. These actions have received a massive critical response from Democrats and recipients of said migrants, where humanitarian aid is needed. 

Most of the immigrants who had arrived in Martha’s Vineyard were of Venezuelan origin. The United States Border Patrol held screenings when immigrants were seen crossing the border, and were then released until further proceedings were made due to the lack of diplomatic relations with Venezuela and deportation. Immigrants from Cuba are impacted as well.

The Governor’s Office in Florida released a statement confirming that Florida was behind the flights sent to Massachusetts.

“Florida can confirm the two planes with illegal immigrants that arrived in Martha’s Vineyard today were part of the state’s relocation program to transport illegal immigrants to sanctuary destinations,” the Governor’s Office 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.”

The State of Massachusetts is currently leading the humanitarian aid for the immigrants sent to Martha’s Vineyard. 

“MEMA (Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency) is collaborating with state agencies and non-profit organizations to ensure that individuals and families have access to a broad range of services, including legal, health care, food and other needs,” said in a statement released by the office of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, a Republican. 

Democrats in response strongly criticize the actions of Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“Republican governors interfering in that process and using migrants as political pawns is — is shameful, is reckless, and just plain wrong,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre during a briefing on Sep. 15. “And as we have done many times in response to attempts to create chaos and confusion by Republican governors, we are working to manage the consequences of these two stunts as well.”

Criticism continues toward Governor Ron DeSantis in regards to sending immigrants to Martha’s Vineyard, as humanitarian aid is provided in a crisis that continues to stir controversy in the United States.