Texas Sheriff Teams Up With California Governor Newsom in Push to Investigate DeSantis Migrant Flights

A sheriff in Texas and the Governor of California wrote to the United States Attorney General Thursday, calling for a federal investigation into a "scheme" by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' to fly migrants to California.

Some 36 migrants who were flown from Texas to California claimed they were duped into getting onto planes on June 2 and 5, with promises of jobs and housing when they landed.

Javier Salazar, the Bexar County Sheriff, and Gov. Gavin Newsom were joined by California's AG Rob Bonita in asking Merrick Garland for a full investigation into the situation, which they said stretches "from Massachusetts to California and touches upon no fewer than five states."

Immigration lawyer Rachel Self tweeted the letter to Garland on Friday morning.

The group admits it is not uncommon for states or local organizations to facilitate onward travel for new arrivals, often to reconnect them with family elsewhere.

"But this scheme is different: according to news reports, recruiters deceived migrants into taking flights to these particular locations based on promises of jobs and shelter," the letter says.

Cities including Sacramento welcomed the migrants, who arrived confused, without any idea where they were.

A similar case was well-documented in September 2022, when migrants arrived in Martha's Vineyard unexpectedly and DeSantis received criticism for that, too.

Salazar's office recommended criminal charges over that incident last month.

Newsom, Salazar and Bonita said that investigations are underway in Texas and California, there is a need for a federal probe, too.

"It is unconscionable to use people as political props by persuading them to travel to another state based on false or deceptive representations," they said in the letter. "We urge USDOJ to investigate potential violations of federal law by those involved in this scheme."

Florida's governor hit back at claims the flights were illegal at the start of June, releasing a video showing migrants in "good spirits".

The Messenger approached DeSantis' office for comment on this letter but did not immediately receive a response.