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Migrants sent by DeSantis to Martha's Vineyard are being moved to a military base shelter in Cape Cod, Massachusetts' governor says

Sep 17, 2022, 02:20 IST
Business Insider
Venezuelan migrants stand outside St. Andrew's Church in Edgartown, Massachusetts, U.S. September 14, 2022Ray Ewing/Vineyard Gazette/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY
  • Migrants sent to Martha's Vineyard are now being moved to a military base shelter in Cape Cod.
  • Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker announced Friday that the move would be voluntary.
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Migrants sent by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to Martha's Vineyard are being moved to a military base shelter in Cape Cod, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker announced Friday.

The approximately 50 migrants who were delivered to Martha's Vineyard earlier this week are now being moved to Joint Base Cape Cod where they will receive "shelter and humanitarian support," according to a statement released by Baker administration alongside Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.

"The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is coordinating efforts among state and local officials to ensure access to food, shelter and essential services for these men, women and children," the statement said. "Governor Charlie Baker also plans to activate up to 125 members of the Massachusetts National Guard as part of this relief effort."

The move to Cape Cod will be voluntary and transportation for those who want to move will be provided, the statement said.

On Wednesday, DeSantis took credit for sending a plane of illegal immigrants to Martha's Vineyard.

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A number of the migrants had said they were told they were getting a free flight to Boston where jobs and shelter would be waiting for them.

Instead, officials on Martha's Vineyard were shocked by the sudden arrival and locals jumped in to help provide them with food and shelter. But the coordinator for the sole homeless shelter on the island told reporters that the upscale enclave does not have the "services to take care of" the 50 migrants who were flown in.

"We are grateful to the providers, volunteers and local officials that stepped up on Martha's Vineyard over the past few days to provide immediate services to these individuals," Baker said. "Our Administration has been working across state government to develop a plan to ensure these individuals will have access to the services they need going forward, and Joint Base Cape Cod is well equipped to serve these needs."

Joint Base Cape Cod is already designated by MEMA as an emergency shelter and "its existing infrastructure provides a safe temporary accommodation," the statement from Baker's administration said. "Additionally, the facility can provide dedicated space for access to legal services and other essential services such as basic healthcare."

According to the statement, MEMA is working with local agencies to ensure the migrants being housed there will have legal services, healthcare, food, and any other needs.

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