Nearly three dozen migrants have arrived in Sacramento since Friday, June 2. The first set arrived by private jet from Venezuela and Colombia, according to the non-profit organization Sacramento Area Congregations Together. The second group carrying 20 migrants arrived Monday from Texas.
California officials believe the migrant flights were sent by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has been vocal about targeting illegal immigration in the sunshine state. Last year, DeSantis also claimed responsibility for the migrant transportation to Martha’s Vineyard.
In a tweet, California Gov. Gavin Newsom called DeSantis a “small, pathetic man” for his alleged role in sending migrants to California’s capital. Nonetheless, local and state officials say that they will be providing assistance to the migrants.
“The people who are scared, who are vulnerable, who are flown here under some lure of jobs and/or services…know that they are safe and that they will be well-cared for,” said Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg.
Gov. Newsom says the details on who paid to fly the migrants to California, and whether they were misled with false promises, will be investigated.
