Migrants from Florida arrive on Martha’s Vineyard

EDGARTOWN, Mass. (WLNE) — A group of migrants from Florida has arrived from Florida Wednesday evening in Martha’s Vineyard.

Both Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker confirmed the arrival of the group of people.

“The Baker-Polito 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,” said Baker’s press secretary, Terry MacCormack.

“We 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,” said DeSantis’ communications director, Taryn Fenske.

“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,” she continued.

State Rep. Dylan Fernandes who is assisting the immigrants said residents of Martha’s Vineyard were given no notice, but the community is coming together to support them.

“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,” tweeted Fernandes, who in another Twitter took an indirect shot at DeSantis.

Congressman Bill Keating also took a shot at DeSantis saying in part through a statement, “I applaud Governor Baker for his administration’s efforts to step up and assist these refugees despite the lack of notice of their impending arrival, and I am disgusted by Governor DeSantis’s decision to prioritize cruelty and chaos over human dignity in today’s taxpayer-funded stunt.”

The Dukes County Emergency Management Association are looking for volunteers to assist the migrants and are asking anyone able to help to call 508-684-8015.