Thursday, April 25, 2024

Biden Admin Opens Probe Into DeSantis’ Migrant Flights

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President is targeting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

The inspector general confirmed the agency is conducting an audit into the governor's recent move to transport 50 migrants to Martha's Vineyard.

Last month, Democrat lawmakers asked the Treasury Department to investigate whether Florida improperly used American Rescue Plan funds for migrant transportation. (RELATED: Florida Democrat to Sue Gov. DeSantis to Block Migrant Transportation)

“As part of its oversight responsibilities for the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, The Treasury Office of the Inspector General has audit work planned on recipients' compliance with eligible use guidance,” the Office of the Inspector General wrote in a letter dated Oct. 7 and made public Wednesday. “In addition, as part of our oversight work of the Coronavirus Relief Fund established by the CARES Act, we have already sought information from Florida about appropriate use of that fund.”

“We will review the allowability of use of [State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund] funds related to immigration generally, and will specifically confirm whether interest earned on SLFRF funds was utilized by Florida related to immigration activities, and if so, what conditions and limitations apply to such use,” the inspector general continued.

The inspector general, whose position is currently vacant, reports to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

DeSantis has faced intense criticism from Democrats and pro-immigration advocacy groups for the move. The governor is also facing a class action lawsuit targeting himself and other Florida officials over the chartered flights from Texas to Massachusetts.

The lawsuit, filed by attorneys from the organization Lawyers for Civil Rights, alleges violations of the U.S. Constitution and other laws, according to CBS News.

“These immigrants, who are pursuing the proper channels for lawful immigration status in the United States, experienced cruelty akin to what they fled in their home country,” the lawsuit said. “Defendants manipulated them, stripped them of their dignity, deprived them of their liberty, bodily autonomy, due process, and equal protection under law, and impermissibly interfered with the Federal Government's exclusive control over immigration in furtherance of an unlawful goal and a personal political agenda.”

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Nancy Jackson
Nancy Jackson
Nancy grew up in the South where her passion for politics first began. After getting her BA in journalism from Ole Miss she became an arts and culture writer for Athens Magazine where she enjoyed reporting on the eclectic music and art scene in Athens, GA. However, her desire to report on issues and policies impacting everyday Americans won out and she packed her bags for Washington, DC. Now, she splits her time between the Nation’s Capital and Philadelphia where she covers the fast-paced environment of politics, business, and news. In her off time, you can find Nancy exploring museums or enjoying brunch with friends.

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