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Here’s what happened to the migrants sent to Martha’s Vineyard in September 2022:
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✈️ What happened: The 2022 Martha’s Vineyard migrant flights
On September 14, 2022, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis chartered two planes carrying about 50 mainly Venezuelan asylum-seekers from San Antonio, TX, to Martha’s Vineyard, MA. Many were misled into thinking they were headed to Boston.
Local authorities and nonprofits on the island were caught off guard and provided immediate aid—food, clothing, toiletries, and temporary shelter at an Episcopal church.
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🏕️ Relocation and support
On September 16, the migrants voluntarily boarded buses and ferried to Joint Base Cape Cod, a state-designated emergency shelter. The U.S. military did not carry out deportations or arrests—they did not transport the migrants.
At the base, they were housed in dormitory-style facilities with access to food, healthcare, legal counsel, mental health services, interpreters, and case management to assist further resettlement.
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🏠 Resettlement & legal outcomes
Over the following weeks and months, migrants began moving into transitional housing across Eastern Massachusetts, including towns like Lowell, Brockton, Stoughton, Provincetown, and Cape communities. A few also relocated to New York. One Reddit summary noted:
> “Forty‑seven of them have found housing in Massachusetts … Four have even returned to Martha’s Vineyard … Two … moved to New York.”
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⚖️ Legal & immigration status
In October 2022, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar certified that the migrants were victims of potential crimes—specifically recounting a woman named “Perla” who recruited them under false promises. This certification enabled them to apply for U visas, which grant victims of qualifying crimes the right to work and protection from deportation.
By April 2024, at least three migrants received bona fide determinations—meaning their visa applications were approved and they gained legal work authorization, with more expected to follow.
A federal judge allowed a class-action lawsuit to proceed against Vertol Systems, the flight company involved. Claims against Governor DeSantis and state officials were initially dismissed due to jurisdiction but can still be refiled.
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✅ Summary Table
Stage Key Developments
Arrival Migrants flown under false pretenses, dropped on Vineyard
Emergency support Aid provided by local community and then move to Cape Cod base
Shelter & services Temporary housing, health and legal assistance at Joint Base
Resettlement Distributed across Massachusetts and some moved out of state
Legal status Received U visa determinations, legal proceedings underway
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In short: the migrants were initially stranded on the island, but local organizations and state officials stepped in. They were relocated to an emergency shelter base, connected to services, eventually resettled across Massachusetts (with some out-of-state), and began receiving U visas as “crime victims.” They also secured the right to file suit against the charter company involved in the transport.
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🕰️ And later?
As of 2024–2025, legal developments have progressed with more U‑visa approvals anticipated. Operations shifted community focus to broader enforcement challenges in the region.
In May 2025, ICE conducted enforcement actions on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, drawing criticism and reflecting ongoing tensions around immigration policy in the area.
Let me know if you’d like updates on the current legal status of individual migrants or follow-up coverage on the enforcement actions in the area.
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