In September 2022, the transport of 49 migrants to Martha’s Vineyard marked a significant escalation in state-led border tactics. Florida officials coordinated the flights, sparking intense national debate over immigration policy and political accountability.

While critics denounced the move as a “political stunt” using vulnerable people as pawns, proponents argued it forced “sanctuary cities” to confront the realities of the border crisis. Therefore, this event remains a pivotal case study in the ongoing tension between federal authority and state-driven immigration enforcement strategies.

This was a political strategy to draw attention to the southern border.

The incident involving the migrants flown to Martha’s Vineyard sparked public outrage, a civil lawsuit, and criminal investigations into potential unlawful restraint. As a result, the migrants, many of whom were crime victims, became eligible to seek special U Visas>> due to the circumstances of their transport.

What newly-arrived migrants should do now — clear, prioritized steps

If you or a family member were recently transported to a new location and need legal, humanitarian, or resettlement assistance, acting quickly and preserving core documents will protect options and speed help. Below is a practical, prioritized checklist for immediate action and for working with counsel or local service providers.

Immediate practical steps (do these first)

Gather identity & immigration documents: collect passports, national IDs, any travel documents, notices (if any), and the I-94 record if available. Keep originals when possible and make clear scanned copies stored in a secure cloud folder and a printed packet.
Create a short emergency contact list: include attorney contact, local sponsor or host, family, and local community groups or consulates. Keep one printed copy and one digital copy.
Record basic arrival details: note the date, location, names of officials if known, transportation details, and any forms or notices you received. These facts help counsel and advocates coordinate services or emergency filings.

Short-term needs — health, housing, and intake

Prioritize immediate physical needs so clients can focus on legal steps:

Find local emergency medical care if needed; keep medical records and receipts.
Confirm temporary housing or shelter arrangements and get written confirmation of address for mail and legal notices.
Enroll children in local schools as soon as possible (bring immunization/medical records if available).

Legal triage — what counsel will check first

Screen for eligibility: asylum, withholding, CAT protection, U-visa, T-visa, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (for qualifying youth), or family-based filings if there is a qualifying petitioner.
Confirm detention risk & deadlines: determine whether the client is at risk of detention or has imminent hearings and identify filing deadlines for any relief or emergency motions.
Prepare an intake packet: one-page fact summary, identity documents, any available evidence of persecution or fear, and contact info for witnesses or local supporters.

How to handle encounters with officials

Advise clients to remain calm, politely request the officer’s name and agency, and ask to see any warrants or written orders. Do not sign documents without counsel if possible. If detained, take note of the facility, ask for the detainee’s assigned number, and notify counsel immediately.

Short FAQs clients ask now

Can I ask for asylum?: Yes — anyone physically present in the U.S. may express a fear of return or request asylum; counsel will advise on timing and best procedure (affirmative vs. defensive asylum) based on individual circumstances.
Will I be detained?: Detention is possible in some cases but not automatic. Counsel will evaluate detention risk and move quickly to seek bond or alternatives to detention if appropriate.
How can I get help with housing or medical care?: Local non-profits, faith communities, and municipal programs often provide short-term housing, legal clinics, and medical referrals. Counsel or intake staff can connect clients to vetted organizations in the area.

Next steps we can take for you

We can prepare an intake packet, screen for immediate relief, draft emergency filings, and coordinate with local service providers and pro-bono groups. If you need urgent help, call our intake at (562) 495-0554 or email blerner@californiaimmigration.us for same-day assistance. We can also prepare a printable client packet (PDF) to attach to files or distribute to newly-arrived clients.