A federal judge on Monday dismissed Ron DeSantis from a lawsuit after the Republican Florida Governor arranged flights of illegal immigrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard in 2022.
In a 77-page decision, U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs removed DeSantis and various current and former staff members from the lawsuit due to “insufficient facts” presented in the case.
Judge Allison D. Burroughs nixes lawsuit against Ron DeSantis over migrant flights to Martha’s Vineyardhttps://t.co/owyMZcRCPw pic.twitter.com/qNQKhU0710
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) April 1, 2024
Allison stated that the court couldn’t “determine what actions were taken by whom and therefore cannot establish which, if any, of those individual Defendants conducted business or caused injury here, leading to the conclusion that, at least on this record, personal jurisdiction has not been established.”
However, the ruling maintains the possibility for further legal action against Vertol, the Florida-based company that facilitated the flights for $1.5 million.
Following the lead of officials in Texas and Arizona, DeSantis initiated the transportation of illegal immigrants to progressive states in late 2022 to underscore the failures of the Biden administration at the southern border.
Martha’s Vineyard is renowned as a haven for affluent progressives, including former President Barack Obama, who acquired a multimillion-dollar residence there in 2019.
While DeSantis suggested Delaware or Martha’s Vineyard as potential destinations for such migrants, his office clarified at the time that they could also be relocated “to other ‘progressive’ states whose governors endorse blatant violations of federal immigration law.”
“As we’ve consistently asserted, the flights were conducted lawfully and authorized by the Florida legislature,” stated a spokesperson for DeSantis’ office. “We eagerly anticipate Florida’s next relocation flight for illegal immigrants, and we are committed to drawing national attention to the crisis at the southern border.”
