After sending 50 illegal immigrants to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts this week caused such a stir with Democrats, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) told reporters Friday that he had no intention of stopping that process.
“The legislature gave me $12 million. We’re going to spend every penny of that to make sure that we are protecting the people of the state of Florida,” DeSantis said.
That money was approved in the state budget, which he said Democrats also voted for, as outlined on the governor’s press secretary’s Twitter account.
“Here are all the Florida house reps and senators who voted for this year’s budget, including the funding for transporting illegal migrants out of Florida into sanctuary states. Almost every Dem voted for it. Now they’re calling a criminal for following through,” Christina Pushaw tweeted.
WATCH: DESANTIS SAYS FLORIDA IS NOT A ‘SANCTUARY STATE’
Yes, you read that right.
Every single one of these Democrat legislators voted for exactly what they’re feigning outrage at today. pic.twitter.com/DHqfnaBbDr
— Christina Pushaw 🐊 🇺🇸 (@ChristinaPushaw) September 16, 2022
“We’ve got an infrastructure in place now; there’s going to be a lot more that’s happening,” DeSantis said.
He said there are “a whole bunch of other places” to send people by bus and plane but didn’t specify where the next group would go or when the next group would be sent out of the state.
“This way, these sanctuary jurisdictions can put their money where their mouth is,” DeSantis added.
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The governor also disputed claims that the immigrants were tricked into getting on the plane.
“The folks that are contracted, not only did they give them a release form to sign, they actually give them a packet, and … that packet included a map of Martha’s Vineyard, so it was obvious that’s where they were going,” he said.
DeSantis stressed that participation was all voluntary and that those who traveled received meals.
He added that his office has had people in Texas for “months” researching where these border crossers are trying to go and that “40% of those asked wanted to come to Florida.” Those people were then offered free transportation to sanctuary jurisdictions.
