Migrant Crisis: DeSantis could face DoJ investigation as mom dies in NYC shelter

Welcome to the live blog of The Independent’s coverage of the unfolding migrant crisis in Martha’s Vineyard and Washington, DC.

Follow here for live updates.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has sent two planes carrying undocumented migrants to Martha’s Vineyard, an exclusive island off the coast of Massachusetts where Barack Obama owns a mansion.

The migrants were able to get off the planes at the island’s airport on Wednesday in a video obtained by Fox News Digital.

“Yes, Florida can confirm that the two planes carrying illegal immigrants that arrived at Martha’s Vineyard today were part of the state’s relocation program to transport illegal immigrants to sanctuary destinations,” the governor’s communications director Taryn Fenske told the United States. right-wing news organization.

Florida’s Republican-controlled state legislature has handed the governor $12 million to remove migrants from the state and transport them elsewhere.

Many of the 50 migrants who landed at the popular vacation island’s airport reportedly had no idea where they were going before departing Florida and still had no idea where they had landed, CBS reports.

They had reportedly been told that wherever they went there would be jobs and housing available to them, the news channel continued.

Read my colleague’s full report Graeme Massie below:

Two migrant buses sent by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, carrying between 75 and 100 people, have arrived at the home of Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington, DC.

The buses arrived Thursday morning after departing from Del Rio, Texas, according to Fox News Digital.

The Naval Observatory, the designated residence of the vice president since 1974, is located in northwest Washington, DC.

The migrants were picked up at Eagle Pass, which, like Del Rio, is located along the border with Mexico.

Fox News Digital reported that the migrants came from Venezuela, Uruguay, Colombia and Mexico. The conservative outlet claimed some migrants said they believe the border is open.

Keep reading my colleague’s full briefing Graeme Massie here:

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo laughed at the undocumented migrants who arrived in Martha’s Vineyard and Washington DC this week.

Fox host Jesse Watters discussed the latest developments with the former Secretary of State on a Wednesday night broadcast, pointing out how the popular vacation spot is home to many left-wing celebrities, including former President Barack Obama, Rosie O’Donnell and Jay – Z and Beyonce.

“Do you think they’re going to embrace their new neighbors,” the Fox News host asked his guest.

“You know these are all havens until they’re in their haven,” the former Trump aide said, before stifling a chuckle. “I doubt they’ll embrace them,” who recently announced his intentions for a possible presidential run in 2024.

Late Wednesday night, authorities on Martha’s Vineyard were still busy responding to the unannounced Florida planes that dropped 50 undocumented migrants on the island of Massachusetts earlier that afternoon.

“There was no advance” inform everyone in Martha’s Vineyard of Massachusetts that these migrants are arriving, as far as I know,” said Julian Cyr, a state senator.

Dukes County, the second-least populous county in Massachusetts, announced on Twitter that they had activated emergency shelters, which typically only open during natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods.

“Due to an unexpected urgent #humanitarian situation, #DCEMA is opening #Emergency #Shelters tonight at #MarthasVineyard. If you are willing and able to volunteer in a clinical or non-clinical role, please contact @DukesOffice at 508-684-8015,” the emergency management association tweeted Wednesday evening.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has threatened to fly “a few thousand more” undocumented migrants to Martha’s Vineyard.

Christina Pushaw, the rapid response director for Mr. DeSantis’ re-election campaign, challenged officials on the exclusive island off the coast of Massachusetts to get more migrants from Florida.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis boasted of his “innovative” strategy of sending two planes full of Venezuelan migrants to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.

“We are not a refuge and it is better to go to a jurisdiction,” Mr. DeSantis said at an event. “And yes, we are going to facilitate that transport for you to go to greener pastures.”

The 35th President’s Presidential Library tweeted an article about “Reverse Freedom Rides” once offered to black Americans by southern states.

“In order to embarrass northern liberals and humiliate black people, southern White Citizens Councils started their so-called ‘Reverse Freedom Rides’, giving black people one-way trips to northern cities with false promises of jobs, housing and a better life,” he said. the library. tweeted.

Ron DeSantis is slated as a likely contender for the Republican ticket in the 2024 presidential election. One of the firefighter’s selling points is his tough approach to immigration. Often in his speeches he has suggested a phrase about the bus transportation of immigrants to Delaware.

Now that Florida’s governor is making headlines again for his controversial policies, it’s worth revisiting The Independent’s recent assessment of what insiders are saying about the GOP governor’s presidency in 2024.

Read the full opinion piece from Eric Garcia below:

Republican Senator Mitt Romney showed no sympathy for Democratic leaders in cities and states across the country on Thursday after news broke that GOP governors are stepping up their efforts to bus groups of migrants into their jurisdictions.

John Bowden has the details.