On Wed. Sept. 14, Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis sent two planes full of 50 migrants to Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., in a new program funded by taxpayer dollars. 

The new program was inspired by Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas, sending migrants via bus to New York City and Washington D.C. 

“We are not a sanctuary state,” Gov. DeSantis said. “Every community in America should be sharing in the burdens. It shouldn’t all fall on a handful of red states.” 

Edgartown is on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, as one of their many tourist destinations. Local administrators have begun helping the newly arrived migrants, despite the unexpected entrance.  

“James Hagerty, the Edgartown town administrator, told CNN on Thursday that officials believe all of the migrants originated in Venezuela, and a local fire chief said earlier in the day that the migrants include seven families, with four children ranging from 3 to 8 years old,” CNN states in an article. 

Democratic figures have added in their opinions on the situation, including Charlie Crist, the Democratic nominee for Fla. Gov. 

“This is just another political stunt that hurts our state,” Crist said. “Tonight the 4.5 million immigrants who call Florida home must be wondering if they’re next.”

Although having mixed opinions throughout the country, Delaney Hernandez, sophomore, believes that the migrants did know what was going on and supports the newly created program. 

“They knew what was happening,” she said. “Desantis and Abbott had the migrants sign a consent form before he sent them to Martha’s Vineyard.”

Gov. Desantis continues to fortify his actions as both parties argue over this sensitive situation. Mixed feelings over the program continue to linger across the country. 

“It’s ethically and morally a horrible program,” Freddie Dozer, junior, said. “Now that people are more aware of how bad the situation is, I believe that more people will be willing to pitch in.”