A commuter plane carrying immigrants may be on the way to Delaware Coastal Airport in Georgetown
A flight tracking website did not list flights from the Texas airport to Georgetown. The charter aircraft, believed to be used for the flight, seats fewer than 50. It is likely the plane has limited range and would require refueling stops en route.
Reports of the unannounced flight began to circulate Monday night on social media. As of Tuesday afternoon, media and others had gathered at the airport in anticipation of the arrival, with social services people making a few comments.
Emily David Hershman, spokesperson for Gov. John Carney, issued the following: “We’re aware of the reports, and continue to prepare for the possibility of migrants arriving in Delaware unannounced. Our teams at DEMA and DHSS are working with community organizations and other partners to make sure that migrants who arrive here have the support that they need. We are coordinating with federal officials and are prepared to welcome these families in an orderly manner as they pursue their asylum claims.
There were also indications that the White House was aware of the flight.
Republican governors in Texas and Arizona have also sent migrants out of their respective states via bus. Delaware, the home state of Biden has long been mentioned as a location for flights and buses to drive home the argument of the governors.
DeSantis is running for re-election in Florida and is widely mentioned as a GOP Presidential candidate.
Recent Florida-funded flights have not been made from Florida, with DeSantis claiming the individuals were headed to that state. DeSantis has also said that the flights are designed to point out what he sees as the reckless stance of the Biden Administration regarding illegal immigration.
A recent flight landed on the tiny Massachusetts island of Martha’s Vineyard.
Delaware would have more resources than the Vineyard in dealing with the immigrants, including a large Hispanic and Haitian community in Sussex County.
DeSantis’ actions have generated praise from supporters and condemnations from others who question the legality of the practice and describe the actions as a political stunt that toys with the lives of people.
There have been claims that the individuals were lured into flying to the East Coast with claims of jobs and housing. Georgetown and Sussex has a serious housing shortage but faces a labor shortage Since the individuals making the flights are seeking asylum, it is questionable whether they would be allowed to work
DeSantis denied those claims and said migrants were given accurate information.
