A recent controversy has erupted following the relocation of migrants by the Florida administration led by Governor Ron DeSantis. Florida officials acknowledged on Tuesday that they facilitated the transfer of 36 migrants from Texas to a Catholic charity in California, sparking outrage among California state officials.
According to CNA, these South American migrants, originally from the Texas border, were transported voluntarily to California’s Catholic Charities headquarters in Sacramento. This institution, based in a sanctuary city, is federally funded and equipped to provide care for migrants.
Florida officials defended the move, pointing out that such actions have been taken by progressive leaders in places like El Paso and Denver. Their statement to Fox News highlighted the alleged double standard, asking why it is considered false imprisonment and kidnapping when Florida pursues a similar course of action.
However, California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom, criticized the move, describing it as a cruel and manipulative act. California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta echoed this sentiment, describing the event as state-sanctioned kidnapping, stating that it was morally reprehensible.
Sacramento City Council member Katie Valenzuela also criticized the move, describing it as a monstrous act of cruelty. Meanwhile, DeSantis’ office announced that Florida officials had encountered over 5,800 undocumented migrants during their assistance to Texas at the southern border. The support was in response to a call for aid from Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Amid a record influx of over 2.76 million migrants in 2022, border communities are expressing concern about the escalating situation.
