Lawyers of Martha’s Vineyard immigrants ask for criminal investigation, receive threats and harassment

Lawyers for Civil Rights called upon U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins and Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey to formally open criminal investigations into the incident that brought two planeloads of immigrants to Martha’s Vineyard earlier this week. LCR now represents more than 30 of the individuals.

In the letters, LCR stated their clients were induced to board airplanes and cross state lines under false pretenses.

“Individuals, working in concert with State officials, including the Florida Governor, made numerous false promises to LCR’s clients — including of work opportunities, schooling for their children, and immigration assistance — in order to induce them to travel. Once the planes landed, those who had induced individuals to travel under these false pretenses disappeared, leaving the immigrants to learn that the offers of assistance had all been a ruse to exploit them for political purposes.”

LCR also asked for a strong and coordinated federal response.

The group states that LCR’s staff, volunteers, and pro bono attorneys have experienced threats and harassment for representing the group.

U.S. Attorney Rollins has stated that she is working with federal authorities in other States that have experienced similar conduct.

The Baker-Polito Administration provided an update Sunday on donations, emergency response plan for migrants sheltering at Joint Base Cape Cod.