“States like Massachusetts, New York and California will make it easier to take care of these people they have invited into our country by encouraging illegal immigration through their designation as ‘sanctuary states’ and supporting the Biden administration’s open border policies.” ». An estimated 50 migrants arrived Wednesday in Martha’s Vineyard on two planes, according to Massachusetts state Sen. Julian Cyr, a Democrat who represents Martha’s Vineyard. The two planes arrived shortly after 3 p.m., Shear said, and white vans took the migrants to Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. “There was no advance notice to anyone on Martha’s Vineyard or Massachusetts that these immigrants were arriving that I know of,” Cyr said. “The island tried to respond,” he added. “They essentially set up shelters, the equivalent of a hurricane or a Norwegian Easter. They were set up within a few hours and these families received a meal. They have been tested for Covid and are spending the night in shelters in several churches on the island.” City officials and state officials are in contact about next steps, but Cyr stressed that the focus right now is on supporting the immigrants who have arrived. The move follows in the footsteps of Republican governors. Greg Abbott of Texas and Doug Ducey of Arizona, who began sending migrants to Washington, D.C., earlier this year. Abbott has since expanded his effort to include New York and Chicago. Immigrants released from state custody often move to other US cities as they go through immigration procedures. It is unclear where the immigrants who arrived on Martha’s Vineyard came from or if they knew where they were going. The Dukes County Emergency Management Association said in a tweet Wednesday that it is accepting volunteers and opening emergency shelters on Martha’s Vineyard “due to an ‘unexpected humanitarian emergency.’ A statement obtained by CNN affiliate WBZ, “The Baker-Polito administration is in contact with local officials regarding the arrival of immigrants on Martha’s Vineyard. Short-term shelter services are currently being provided by local officials, and the Administration will continue to support these efforts.” DeSantis’ claim drew sharp backlash Wednesday from Democratic officials in Florida. “Even for Ron DeSantis, that’s a new low.” Florida Democratic Chairman Manny Diaz said in a statement. “There’s nothing DeSantis won’t do, and nobody he won’t hurt, to score political points.” Charlie Crist, the Democratic candidate for governor of Florida, said in a statement: “This is just another political stunt that hurts our state. Tonight, the 4.5 million immigrants who call Florida home must ask themselves if he’s next.” CNN’s Chenelle Woody, Jessica Prater and Steve Contorno contributed to this report.
