What we know about Florida’s taxpayer-funded program that relocated migrants to Martha’s Vineyard

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Migrants were flown to Martha’s Vineyard Wednesday night through Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ taxpayer-funded relocation program. Here’s everything we know so far about the program.

The Tampa Bay Times reports that Florida’s budget includes an earmarked $12 million for DeSantis’ program. His initiative comes after states, such as Texas and Arizona, implemented similar policies.

Texas’ policy, called “Operation Lone Star,” was rolled out by Gov. Gregg Abbott in March 2021.

“In May, Governor Abbott issued a disaster declaration that now covers 48 counties, mostly counties along or near the border. The declaration directed the Department of Public Safety to “use available resources to enforce all applicable federal and state laws to prevent the criminal activity along the border, including criminal trespassing, smuggling, and human trafficking, and to assist Texas counties in their efforts to address those criminal activities,” the Texas Indigent Defense Commission’s website stated.

Abbott began busing thousands of migrants to Washington in April and recently added New York and Chicago as destinations. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has joined the trend, and has transporting migrants to Washington, D.C., since May. Passengers must sign waivers that the free trips are voluntary.

DeSantis hasn’t confirmed yet if his program will be similar to Abbott’s.