Democrats accused Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) of kidnapping migrants when he sent two planes of migrants to Martha’s Vineyard last year.
But the New York Times recently spoke to some of those migrants who say they’re happy about coming to the luxury island, don’t want to leave, and now call it “home.”
Last September, Florida sent 49 migrants to Martha’s Vineyard, triggering liberal weeping and gnashing of teeth. Democrats claimed the migrants were “tricked” or “deceived” and accused DeSantis of kidnapping them.
Lawsuits were filed, the Massachusetts U.S. attorney (who resigned in May over allegations of ethics violation and misconduct) promised to investigate to the fullest extent of the law, and the flights ultimately resulted in criminal charges being filed in Bexar County, Texas (though law enforcement refuses to say who was officially charged).
The allegations, of course, were more bark than bite. DeSantis later released proof that the migrants traveled willingly.
What are the migrants saying?
Most of the migrants sent to Martha’s Vineyard later left. But some stayed — and they’re happy with their new life.
The New York Times chatted with several of those migrants, who acquired jobs and their own housing and transportation on the island.
Deici Cauro, from Venezuela, told the Times she doesn’t want to leave.
“I did not even know where Martha’s Vineyard was. And now I feel welcomed by everybody here. I’m working, making friends and this is home for me now,” Cauro said. “This is home now. I don’t want to leave.”
Cauro’s brother, Daniel, and cousin, Eliud Aguilar, remain on the island with her. She found a job in landscaping, while her cousin and brother work in painting and roofing.
“We came here to work in any job, no matter how hard,” she told the newspaper. “We are just happy to be living here.”
While reporter Edgar Sandoval was meeting with the migrants, Daniel’s 2-year-old son called from Venezuela. During that call, the son asked his father when he would return home.
“I’m already home,” Daniel replied, promising his family they would soon be reunited.
We saw this coming from a mile away, didn’t we? I doubt anyone believed that most of the illegal immigrants who wound up on Martha’s Vineyard were going to remain there. The residents and local government are more than okay with the ongoing immigrant crisis as long as they don’t have to deal with the fallout like New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is still struggling to figure out how to handle the influx into his city.
For now, the citizens of Martha’s Vineyard are safe from having to deal with folks from South America showing up in their neighborhoods. They can continue pretending to care about these individuals on social media and during their fancy dinners while the rest of the nation bears the brunt of the onslaught. Unless, of course, Govs. Greg Abbott or Ron DeSantis decides to send more their way.
