A federal judge has allowed the revival of a lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis concerning the transportation of nearly 50 migrants to Martha’s Vineyard in 2022. The case, initially dismissed, alleges the migrants were misled as part of a publicity stunt.
Content: TALLAHASSEE, Florida — A federal judge ruled on Friday that a lawsuit against Governor Ron DeSantis and his administration can be revived. The lawsuit alleges that nearly 50 migrants were misled and transported from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard as part of a political stunt orchestrated by DeSantis in September 2022.U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs granted the motion to refile the case, brought forward by Lawyers for Civil Rights Boston and Alianza Americas. The plaintiffs claim that the migrants were deceived about their destination and the resources available to them upon arrival.Judge Burroughs, who initially dismissed the case in April due to insufficient evidence, cited new correspondence allegedly implicating DeSantis officials in the planning and execution of the flights. The revived lawsuit includes more detailed allegations and evidence linking DeSantis’ administration to the flights.Florida officials had arranged the flights as a means to highlight President Joe Biden’s immigration policies, a move that sparked controversy and criticism from Democrats. DeSantis, who has been vocal about his opposition to Biden’s policies, referenced the flights during his reelection campaign and his speech at the recent Republican National Convention.The updated lawsuit alleges that Lawrence Keefe, Florida’s public safety czar, and James Uthmeier, DeSantis’ chief of staff, were deeply involved in the flight arrangements, including multiple calls with the flight vendor. The case also details messages between recruiter Perla Huerta and the migrants, showing the confusion and lack of information provided to those transported.Florida has not conducted any similar operations since a second wave of flights to Sacramento in June 2023. However, DeSantis had previously suggested flying Haitian migrants to Martha’s Vineyard earlier this year.A spokesperson for DeSantis stated that comments regarding the case will be made through future legal filings.
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