State and Island officials, faith-based groups, nonprofit agencies and volunteers rallied quickly to accommodate 50 mostly Venezuelan migrants who arrived unexpectedly at Martha’s Vineyard Airport Wednesday, part of a coordinated political campaign to divert migrants from border states.
Scene was chaotic Wednesday evening but soon settled down.
Scene was chaotic Wednesday evening but soon settled down.
State and Island officials, faith-based groups, nonprofit agencies and volunteers rallied quickly to accommodate 50 mostly Venezuelan migrants who arrived unexpectedly at Martha’s Vineyard Airport Wednesday, part of a coordinated political campaign to divert migrants from border states.
In a statement emailed to media outlets, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis confirmed that the airlift “was part of the state’s relocation program to transport illegal immigrants to sanctuary destinations.”
The migrants, including seven children, were being housed temporarily at St. Andrews Church in Edgartown while efforts were underway to figure out a longer-term relocation plan. Immigration lawyers from off-Island were brought in, and Spanish language translators, including students from Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, were assisting.
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Migrants arrived on the Island without notice on Wednesday afternoon.
Migrants arrived on the Island without notice on Wednesday afternoon.
How You Can Help
- To volunteer, email [email protected]
- To donate money, go to mvcommunityservices.org/helpmigrants/ or gofundme.com/f/f5tae-help-marthas-vineyard-migrants
- Drop off clothing, bedding and personal items behind the Edgartown Fire Museum
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Attorneys “are meeting with each person individually,” said Janet Constantino, a coordinator with the Island Counseling Center. “A lot of them have dates with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), so they are trying to figure out when the court cases can be rescheduled.”
Ms. Constantino added that Martha’s Vineyard Community Services had purchased numerous smartphones for the migrants so they could check in with their families.
“Some of them have not spoken to their families in months,” she said.
Iván Espinoza-Madrigal, executive director of the Lawyers for Civil Rights based in Boston, addressed the group at large from the grounds of St. Andrew’s Church.
After a stop at community services, they moved across the street to the regional high school.
After a stop at community services, they moved across the street to the regional high school.
“Particulars are too early to say,” Mr. Espinoza-Madrigal said. “But the church and Martha’s Vineyard has really stepped up to protect their rights. It’s been incredible."
In a statement Thursday afternoon, Gov. Charlie Baker said his administration was exploring setting up temporary shelter and humanitarian services at Joint Base Cape Cod.
“The commonwealth has many resources for assisting individuals that arrive in Massachusetts with varying immigration statuses and needs and is working with all partners involved to make sure those resources are available to the migrants that arrived last night,” he said.
Later Thursday afternoon, Island officials met with representatives from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to discuss next steps.
Following the closed-door meeting, state Rep. Dylan Fernandes said the Joint Base "was being strongly considered" as a longer-term housing option.
Superintendent of schools Richie Smith, Oak Bluffs chief of police Jonathan Searle, community services CEO Beth Folcarelli.
Superintendent of schools Richie Smith, Oak Bluffs chief of police Jonathan Searle, community services CEO Beth Folcarelli.
"I think we're moving toward a long-term solution very quickly," he said.
Congressman Bill Keating, speaking to the Gazette by phone from Washington, said many of the migrants are eager to make their way off the Island.
“People are very anxious to leave,” he said, noting that many thought they were going to Boston. He added that none of the group had planned to arrive on the Vineyard, and state and federal agencies were working together to connect people with friends and family members in the United States.
Mr. Keating joined in a chorus of local and federal politicians who have condemned the move by Governor DeSantis.
Scene was chaotic Wednesday evening but soon settled down.
Scene was chaotic Wednesday evening but soon settled down.
"I just think it is a cynical way to advance his own thing at taxpayers' expense," he said.
Harbor Homes shelter manager Lisa Belcastro, who was overseeing the relief effort at St. Andrew’s, praised the community’s outpouring of support.
“We have literally everything we need right now,” she said. “This place is a stopgap — it is not a long-term solution. The challenge is at some point we have to move these people . . . we can’t house anyone here.”
She continued tearfully: “Every single person has come up and said they want a job; they are not looking for a handout. Some of these people have been through horrific things. They need a break. They need help.”
Ms. Belcastro added that St Augustine’s Church in Vineyard Haven was ready in case another influx of migrants should arrive.
On Thursday, supplies began to arrive from all over the Island.
On Thursday, supplies began to arrive from all over the Island.
Airport director Geoff Freeman said that the migrants arrived Wednesday afternoon on two planes belonging to the charter company Ultimate Air. According to flight plans available online, both planes originated in San Antonio, Tex., and stopped in Crestview, Fla., en route to Martha’s Vineyard. One made an additional stop in South Carolina and the other in North Carolina.
“We thought it was a typical charter,” Mr. Freeman said, adding that private planes carrying visitors on corporate and golf retreats are common this time of year. It wasn’t until the planes touched down that airport personnel discovered they were filled with migrants, he said.
Mr. Freeman said two vans were waiting at the airport and took the migrants to Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. He did not know who arranged the van transport.
“They came with folders with a pamphlet with our information,” said Beth Folcarelli, chief executive officer of MV Community Services. “We don’t have refugee services. I had no idea about any of this. I only found out because one of them gave me their folder. Imagine being dropped in here knowing no one. Absolutely no one. It’s heartbreaking.”
A migrant who asked not to be identified said through an interpreter that a woman in Texas who called herself Perla approached him and his family, saying she was from an immigration organization that could connect them with sanctuary cities in Massachusetts. He said he has an immigration court date on Sept. 21 in Los Angeles.
Impromptu soccer games have helped pass the time.
Impromptu soccer games have helped pass the time.
“I think this is all a ploy to get us to miss our court dates so we get in trouble with the law and they can deport us,” he said.
Noah Glasgow, Thomas Humphrey and Aidan Pollard contributed reporting.
Comments
What part of ILLEGAL don't
Jeff Baker Prospect MaineWhat part of ILLEGAL don't you understand !
Feel sorry for the hard working ISLAND POOR
that are sleeping in the state Forest first !
If we the citizens are to
Beth EdgartownIf we the citizens are to obey the laws of our country, shouldn't the same be applied to those who come to our country illegally, as well as the politicians who don't enforce the immigration laws. We can't just leave the United States and go to another country, cross their border illegally, and say we're here to live. This is what happens when the immigration laws are not enforced, and the border is left open. It is very disruptive to the local government, and takes tax dollars and time away from the problems we already have in this country.
Thank you, thank you, thank
Bill Cook Tampa and formerly West TisburyThank you, thank you, thank you, people and community of MV for your humanitarian spirit. We live in Florida under a smug, cynical and vindictive tyrant. You have shown him and the rest of the country that we can do better.
I have never beemn so proud
Sig Van Raan West TisburyI have never beemn so proud to be a member of this island community .A special thank you to Governors De Santis and Abbot for offering us the opportunity to deomnstrate human compassion and human dignity at its best. I trust the Fox News Crew, after filming the arrival of the refugees, also followed the welcoming and supportrive embrace by so many at such short notice. Giovernors De Santis and Abbot, this is what Democrcy looks like - Democracxy at its best.
As a 70 plus year "summer
Susan Myers of OBAs a 70 plus year "summer person" who knows that Martha's Vineyard is FAR more than how some in the media depict it (as "tony", or "wealthy enclave"). It is not a surprise to me that the people of Martha's Vineyard have come together to treat these immigrants with care and dignity. Something(s) need to be done to address the issues that result in so many coming to the borders of the U.S. in search of refuge and opportunity for a better life. BUT, treating humans as pawns is NOT christian, NOT humane.
I think everyone agrees that
Robert Skydell Marrakech, Kingdom of MoroccoI think everyone agrees that the country needs a comprehensive immigration policy but this "relocation program" by Gov. DeSantis is nothing but a cruel, political stunt at the expense of confused and desperate people. The migrants were apparently duped by an individual in Texas who claimed they would be transported free of charge to a place that would feed, house and offer them jobs in order to get them to board a plane. The DeSantis plan did nothing to inform authorities on the receiving end who could prepare and offer basic humanitarian aid and assistance.
Although I no longer live on the Island, I am extremely proud of the Vineyard's community response but not the least bit surprised. Way to go MV!
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