DeSantis flies two planes of migrants to Martha's Vineyard
NBCNov 18, 2022
The Facts
On Wednesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis sent two planes carrying an estimated 50 migrants to Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.
A spokesperson for DeSantis said in a statement that the flights were "part of the state's relocation program to transport illegal immigrants to sanctuary destinations" that he claimed can "better facilitate the care of these individuals who they have invited into our country.”
The Spin
Republican narrative
DeSantis has one-upped his Republican colleagues to both share the burden of illegal immigrants and expose the hypocrisy of the coastal elites. Residents of places like Martha’s Vineyard advocate for these people to be allowed in the country as long as they don’t settle in their city. Now maybe Democrats will take this issue seriously.
Democratic narrative
The competition between DeSantis and Abbott has hit a new low. Both of the governors are using asylum seekers as political pawns in a misguided attempt to oppose Biden's immigration policies and foment anti-immigrant sentiment. Luckily, DeSantis’ cruel political gambit landed these people in a community that's providing them with compassion and care.