In September 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis’s administration sent 49 illegal migrants to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, as a protest against blue states’ disregard for the impact of mass illegal immigration on southern states. Some of these migrants were from Florida, while others were from Texas. Now, the latter group is being offered “U visas,” which would provide them with legal status and the ability to work in the U.S. as victims of potential crimes, according to their attorney.
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar has determined that the illegal migrants who were flown to Massachusetts qualify for the visas after an investigation by the county’s Organized Crime Division. Salazar has previously recommended that the Bexar County district attorney file criminal charges related to the deceptive tactics used to transport the migrants to Martha’s Vineyard.
“The Governor of Florida orchestrated the abduction of 49 human beings. The actions of all those involved in this scheme were criminal,” attorney Rachel Self stated following the announcement of the U visa eligibility. “The Bexar County DA’s inaction in this matter is concerning and cannot be understated.”
DeSantis has expressed his intention to continue flying illegal migrants from Florida to Martha’s Vineyard despite opposition from the Massachusetts town. He has argued that the flights are necessary to draw attention to the Biden administration’s border policies, which have been criticized by Republicans amid record numbers of illegal immigrants entering the U.S.
The flights have sparked controversy, with some critics accusing DeSantis of using the migrants as political pawns. However, the governor has defended the flights as a necessary measure to address the issue of illegal immigration.
Earlier this year, the governor’s office stated that the flights were “conducted lawfully and authorized by the Florida Legislature.” “We look forward to Florida’s next illegal immigrant relocation flight, and we are glad to bring national attention to the crisis at the southern border,” said DeSantis Deputy Press Secretary Julia Friedland.
