The Massachusetts National Guard is being activated to help transport 50 illegal immigrants from Martha’s Vineyard to Joint Base Cape Cod, which is located off the island, officials said on Friday. The dramatic move comes just one day after the illegal immigrants arrived on the island beloved by wealthy Washington, D.C. elites.
The Massachusetts governor’s office announced the plan in a press release on Friday, noting that 125 members of the state’s National Guard are joining the “relief effort.”
NBC News’ Emilie Ikeda tweeted video of the scene on Martha’s Vineyard.
Additional video shows multiple buses arriving on Martha’s Vineyard to transport the illegal immigrants “off the island.”
“Buses have arrived in Edgartown to transport migrants from St. Andrew’s Parish House. There is one big bus and two shorter buses to transport folks off the island. People with bags are taking selfies and hugging volunteers goodbye,” tweeted the Boston Globe’s Samantha J. Gross.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office confirmed to Fox News Digital on Thursday that he sent two planes carrying 50 illegal immigrants to Martha’s Vineyard. The island is home to a number of celebrities and politicians, including former President Barack Obama, who has an $12 million waterfront mansion on nearly 30 acres.
“Yes, Florida can confirm the two planes with illegal immigrants that arrived in Martha’s Vineyard today were part of the state’s relocation program to transport illegal immigrants to sanctuary destinations,” said Taryn Fenske, the governor’s communications director.
While the wealthy residents of Martha’s Vineyard struggle to handle 50 illegal immigrants for more than 24 hours, towns along the U.S.-Mexico border continue to face hundreds of illegal immigrants every day. More than 1.9 million illegal immigrants have already crossed the southern border so far this year, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection statistics.
