A Massachusetts federal judge has thrown out claims against Governor Ron DeSantis in a lawsuit linked to flights transporting migrants to Martha’s Vineyard, citing lack of personal jurisdiction.
Judge Dismisses Governor DeSantis from Migrant Flight Lawsuit
Judge Dismisses Governor DeSantis from Migrant Flight Lawsuit
Federal court rules on jurisdiction in case against Florida governor and state officials
In a pivotal ruling, a federal judge in Massachusetts has cleared Governor Ron DeSantis and other Florida officials from a lawsuit regarding the controversial 2022 flights that carried about 50 migrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard. The court concluded it lacked personal jurisdiction over the governor, leading to their removal from the legal proceedings.
The lawsuit was initiated by several migrants alongside advocacy organizations, alleging that they were lured under false pretenses of housing and job opportunities before being transported to Massachusetts. While the judge dismissed the claims against DeSantis and his administration, the case can still further pursue action against Vertol Systems Co., the private firm responsible for the air transport.
Judge Allison Burroughs noted that the plaintiffs did not demonstrate adequate ties between the actions of Florida officials and Massachusetts to support exercising jurisdiction. Conversely, she acknowledged that Vertol’s role in the migrants’ transportation warranted closer scrutiny, and the lawsuit remains active against the company.
Governor DeSantis has asserted that the flights were executed lawfully, aiming to highlight issues surrounding federal immigration policies. His office has not responded to requests for comments following the ruling.
While the dismissal marks a legal win for DeSantis, the proceedings against Vertol Systems Co. mean that the case continues amid ongoing legal challenges.
The lawsuit was initiated by several migrants alongside advocacy organizations, alleging that they were lured under false pretenses of housing and job opportunities before being transported to Massachusetts. While the judge dismissed the claims against DeSantis and his administration, the case can still further pursue action against Vertol Systems Co., the private firm responsible for the air transport.
Judge Allison Burroughs noted that the plaintiffs did not demonstrate adequate ties between the actions of Florida officials and Massachusetts to support exercising jurisdiction. Conversely, she acknowledged that Vertol’s role in the migrants’ transportation warranted closer scrutiny, and the lawsuit remains active against the company.
Governor DeSantis has asserted that the flights were executed lawfully, aiming to highlight issues surrounding federal immigration policies. His office has not responded to requests for comments following the ruling.
While the dismissal marks a legal win for DeSantis, the proceedings against Vertol Systems Co. mean that the case continues amid ongoing legal challenges.
