Massachusetts DA launches DeSantis migrant flight investigation, wants DOJ involvement
CAPE COD, Mass. (FLV) – Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois launched an investigation into Gov. Ron DeSantis’ actions to send illegal immigrants to Martha’s Vineyard after public officials in California and Texas called for a response by the Department of Justice.
DeSantis had two charter planes of illegal immigrants flown to Martha’s Vineyard in September 2022, building off Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s actions of bussing migrants to New York City and Washington, D.C.
“I am conscious of my obligation to investigate any potentially criminal activity that occurs within my jurisdiction,” Galibois said in a statement. “[I] am aware that immigrants were tricked and fooled into boarding planes that ultimately landed in Martha’s Vineyard, a part of my jurisdiction.”
He said that he believes this falls under his purview as the district attorney to investigate.
“Given that much of the information that I seek to review as part of my investigation falls outside of my jurisdiction, I stand behind California and believe in order for a full and proper investigation to occur, the department of justice must be involved,” he stated.
He concluded by sharing how he is ready to “cooperate” with the federal government as the investigation continues.
DeSantis’ office stood by the governor’s actions.
“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,” the governor’s communications director, Taryn Fenske, said after the flights.
Senior officials in Desantis’ office stated that the migrants were transported on a “voluntary basis,” singed papers, and were provided a map of their final destination.
The office of Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, who has since left his position, said that the migrants were provided with short-term shelter and aid.
“The Baker-Polito Administration is in touch with local officials regarding the arrival of migrants in Martha’s Vineyard,” Terry MacCormack, Baker’s press secretary, said. “At this time, short-term shelter services are being provided by local officials, and the Administration will continue to support those efforts.”
DeSantis also defended his actions following the flights to Massachusetts.
“The minute even a small fraction of what those border towns deal with every day is brought to their front door, they all of the sudden go berserk and they’re so upset that this is happening,” he said. “And it just shows you, you know, their virtue signaling is a fraud.”
