Viral claim of school buses in ‘darkness’ transporting illegals through Florida debunked

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis’ team debunked a viral claim that “under the cover of darkness,” school buses were transporting illegal aliens in Florida.

The user who spread the claim garnered over half-a-million views on X, and was debunked by DeSantis communications director Bryan Griffin Monday morning.

The viral video claimed that on March 3, “over 30 school buses” were driving to a local airport.

“I knew it. Under the cover of darkness, they’re sending illegals to every state. Even our red ones. @GovRonDeSantis want to answer this one?” the user said. “Why all the busses? Send them to sanctuary cities. I did not vote for this.”

It turns out that the buses were for 10K race runners.

The Sunshine Skyway 10K is host to thousands of runners who run across the Tampa Bay area. It took place over the weekend.

“These buses were transporting runners to the Sunshine Skyway 10K race. They were NOT transporting illegal immigrants in Florida,” Griffin said. “Buses were staged to transport runners to the starting line in waves that began at 5:30AM on Sunday morning.”