Sept 14 (Reuters) – A group of migrants landed on the wealthy Massachusetts island of Martha’s Vineyard on Wednesday, part of a campaign by Republican governors to shift the burden of immigration to Democratic districts. Florida Gov. Ron DeSandis took credit for the arrival of two planes of migrants, a spokeswoman told Fox News and a second on Twitter, although a Massachusetts state representative said migrants arrived from Texas. “Yes, Florida can confirm that the two planes of 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 Taryn Fenske, communications director for Gov. Ron DeSantis. on Fox News Digital. Sign up now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSign up The website showed videos of people getting off a plane and getting into a truck. He said the video depicted the migrants being sent from Florida. The border states of Texas and Arizona have sent thousands of immigrants to cities like New York, Chicago and Washington. They say Democratic districts should take in more immigrants because they have encouraged immigration by failing to fully enforce immigration laws. Martha’s Vineyard is unique in that it is a summer vacation destination and a rural area with a year-round population of only 20,000. “The people of Martha’s Vineyard should be excited about this. They’re voting for sanctuary cities — they’re getting a sanctuary city of their own. And illegal aliens will increase the diversity of the city, which is a strength. Right?”, Christina Pushaw, a spokesman for DeSantis’ re-election campaign said on Twitter. The term “sanctuary cities” refers to states and localities that do not comply with stricter federal immigration policies, including those put in place under former President Donald Trump. Massachusetts state representative Dylan Fernandes said on Twitter that the migrants arrived without warning from Texas. “Right now immigrants are landing on Martha’s Vineyard on charter flights from Texas. Many don’t know where they are. They say they were told they would be given housing and jobs. Islanders were not notified but are coming together as a community to support them,” Fernandez, a Democrat who represents Martha’s Vineyard, said on Twitter. States cannot compel immigrants to move, so their consent is required. Some are accepting because the journey brings them closer to their destinations, although a MassLive.com report Wednesday said many Venezuelan and Colombian migrants who had arrived on Martha’s Vineyard did not know where they had landed. Last week, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency due to busloads of migrants being sent from Texas and Arizona. read more Sign up now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSign up Report by Daniel Trotta. Edited by Heather Timmons and Bradley Perrett Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
