Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis helped a group of about 50 migrants reach Martha’s Vineyard Wednesday as part of a promise to drop off illegal immigrants in progressive states.

“Yes, Florida 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,” the governor’s communications director, Taryn Fenske, told Fox News Digital.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s office said that it is working with local leaders to house the migrants.

“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.” MacCormack said.

Also Read | SCO Summit 2022: All you need to know about the diplomatic event

The first group to arrive consisted of Venezuelan migrants, the Martha’s Vineyard Times reported, adding that they arrived on two charter planes. The group arrived via Texas.

West Tisbury Town Administrator Jennifer Rand reportedly told the select board Wednesday night that “Texas, Florida, and Alabama have begun flying planes with immigrants to Martha’s Vineyard and dropping them off and leaving.”

Dukes County Sheriff Robert Ogden gathered the group outside Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. Later, they were brought to Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. 

State Rep. Dylan Fernandes wrote on Twitter that the island “jumped into action.”

One member of the group said they wanted to come to Martha’s Vineyard to look for a job.

“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,” a spokesperson from Gov. DeSantis’ office told Fox News. 

Also Read | Armenia, Azerbaijan have agreed on a cease-fire to end two days of fighting

Local officials are expecting more planes full of migrants to arrive on the island soon, the Times reported. 

“We understand that perhaps two more planes are coming with perhaps 50 or more people coming,” Rand said at the meeting, according to the Times. “I’m a little unclear about the situation, as is everybody because everybody is scrambling a bit.”

DeSantis’ claim brought strong reaction Wednesday from Democratic officials in Florida.

“Even for Ron DeSantis, this is a new low.” Florida Democratic Chair Manny Diaz said in a statement. “There is nothing that DeSantis won’t do, and nobody that he won’t hurt, in order to score political points.”