Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took credit for the movement of 50 migrants to  Martha’s Vineyard. Two planes full of migrants were flown to the island as part of the state’s relocation program “to transport illegal immigrants to sanctuary destinations.”

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

“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 statement said.

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“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.”

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.”

The first group to arrive consisted of Venezuelan migrants, the Martha’s Vineyard Times reported.

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Where is Martha’s Vineyard?

It is a Massachusetts island that sits in the Atlantic just south of Cape Cod. A longtime New England summer colony, consisting of harbor towns and lighthouses, sandy beaches and farmland. The island is accessible only by boat or air.

The island is some 20 miles and 2–10 miles wide and rises 311 feet above sea level at its highest point. 

The economy of the island depends on summer yachting and tourism. Martha’s Vineyard is divided among the resort towns (townships) of Tisbury (with Vineyard Haven), Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Aquinnah.

Descendants of Wampanoag Indians that inhabited the island in the 17th century now live in Aquinnah, which features a historic lighthouse. Martha’s Vineyard State Forest is at the centre of the island.