Cape And Islands DA Calls For DOJ Investigation Into Martha's Vineyard Migrant Flights

MARTHA'S VINEYARD, MA — Add Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois to the list of officials calling for an investigation into the Martha's Vineyard migrant flights.

On Friday, Galibois' office released a statement in which the district attorney said it is his "obligation to investigate any potentially criminal activity that occurs within my jurisdiction."

He went on to add that he is "aware that immigrants were tricked and fooled into boarding planes that ultimately landed in Martha’s Vineyard, a part of my jurisdiction."

The flights last September sent nearly 50 asylum seekers, most of whom were from San Antonio, Texas, to Martha's Vineyard. It was part of what Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has referred to as a migrant relocation program.

"I believe this falls within my purview as District Attorney to investigate," Galibois added.

The timing of this statement is pertinent, as it follows a weeks-long spat between Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom and, more recently, Republican Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody.

Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta recently called on the Department of Justice to investigate Florida after migrants arrived in Sacramento in June. Bonta Bonta said at the time that, although the circumstances surrounding their arrival in the California capital are still being investigated, the migrants had documentation that appeared to have been issued by Florida.

Moody, in response to calls for an investigation, wrote a three-page letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland urging him to ignore the request.

Galibois, however, is adding to the chorus of voices urging Garland and the Attorney General's Office to open an investigation.

"Given that much of the information that I seek to review as part of my investigation falls outside of my jurisdiction, I stand behind California and believe in order for a full and proper investigation to occur, the Department of Justice must be involved. I stand ready to cooperate with the Department of Justice," he wrote.

The statement comes as DeSantis is set to make a campaign stop in Cotuit on Saturday, according to the Cape Cod Times. According to an invitation reviewed by the publication, the event will cost one person $3,300 to attend while a couple will need to pay $6,600 to rub elbows with the governor.

Related: Sheriff Seeks Charges Over DeSantis Martha's Vineyard Migrant Flights