Florida Governor Ron DeSantis sent two planes with illegal immigrants to Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts on Wednesday, the Republican governor's communication director reported.
"Yes, Florida can confirm that the two planes carrying illegal immigrants that arrived on Martha's Vineyard today were part of the state's relocation program to transport illegal immigrants to sanctuary destinations," Florida's gubernatorial communications director, Taryn Fenske, told Fox News.
Governor DeSantis' spokeswoman explained the reason for transfering illegals:
States such as Massachusetts, New York and California will better facilitate the care of these individuals whom they have invited into our country by incentivizing illegal immigration through their designation as'sanctuary states' and support for the Biden administration's open borders policies.
By doing this, DeSantis follows in the footsteps of Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Doug Ducey in Arizona, who have sent thousands of immigrants on buses to Washington DC, New York and Chicago, self-described 'sanctuary' cities, in protest of President Joe Biden's immigration policy.
During their last session, the Florida Legislature approved $12 million to implement a program to facilitate transfering immigrants out of their state.
Fox News reported that they received an email from Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker's office stating that they were aware of the immigrants' arrival and that they were provided short-term shelter.
"The Baker-Polito Administration is in contact with local officials regarding the arrival of migrants on Martha's Vineyard," wrote Terry MacCormack, who is Baker's press secretary. "At this time, short-term shelter services are being provided by local officials, and the administration will continue to support those efforts."
50 immigrants
According to the local newspaper MV Times, 50 Venezuelans arrived to Martha's Vineyard on Wednesday.
Massachusetts state Rep. Dylan Fernandes, tweeted a photo Wednesday night from a shelter which showed the beds where the newly arrived immigrants would sleep.
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. pic.twitter.com/kG5bglhbLe
- Dylan Fernandes (@RepDylan) September 15, 2022
Martha's Vineyard: An exclusive destination for the rich and famous
Martha's Vineyard is known as a recreation spot for wealthy progressives, including former President Barack Obama, who purchased a property back in 2019 for $11,750,000
The property, on 29 acres of oceanfront land, has seven bedrooms on two floors, eight bathrooms and several stone fireplaces, a barn and a swimming pool . It also has two guest houses, apart from the main house.
Obama is not the only well-known person to choose Martha's Vineyard as a vacation destination. Bill and Hillary Clinton are regular visitors to the area and this has encouraged tourism of progressives to this exclusive area that now has new neighbors sent by Governor Ron DeSantis.