Democratic Pundits' False $12 Million Immigration Airlift Narrative Debunked

As Hurricane Ian has left millions without power across the state of Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has intervened with the media to stop the politicization of the storm. However, some Democratic talking heads have been quick to make it political, including Charlie Crist.

Earlier this month,  Gov. DeSantis sent 50 undocumented immigrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard by plane. Those being transported voluntarily signed agreements that were written in both Spanish and English, clarifying that the signee would be moved from Texas to a sanctuary state on Florida’s behalf.

However, commentators for MSNBC and CNN such as Tristan Snell not only didn’t care to include the “voluntary” part of the story, but instead accused the DeSantis administration of “tricking” those on the plane while also incorrectly stating the amount of funds used to transport the migrants.

“Ron DeSantis took $12 million of Florida taxpayer money and spent it on tricking 50 immigrants into flying from Texas to Massachusetts (with massive amounts of waste or worse built in). That $12 million could sure help a lot of Floridians right about now," stated Snell.

This false narrative has quickly debunked.

The state legislature allotted $12 million to “facilitate the transport of unauthorized aliens from this state.” This money came from the General Appropriations Act.

The DeSantis administration used $615,000 on Sept. 8^th, one week before the plane to Martha’s Vineyard prepared for takeoff., and not the $12 million Snell and other Legacy media reporters say was spent.

And in terms of helping Floridians, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez (R-FL) reminded the state that they were prepared 42,000 linemen, 5,000 Florida Guardsman, 5 USAR teams, 1,200 DOT personnel, 250 aircraft, 1600 highwater boats and 300 boats.

All of the information listed above (the resources that Florida has provided for the rescue mission and the money spent to transport migrants) is public record.

In terms of preparedness, recently, President Joe Biden (D) granted Florida a 100% federal match in funds for the next 60 days for Hurricane relief.