Gov. Abbott’s office aware of migrants’ flight from San Antonio to Martha’s Vineyard, texts show

SAN ANTONIO – Governor Greg Abbott’s office was aware of the flight of migrants from San Antonio to Martha’s Vineyard earlier than takeoff final month.

The State of Texas has denied any involvement with that flight. However, textual content messages launched by Abbott’s office in response to a public data request show in any other case.

The Florida Center for Government Accountability submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Abbott’s office.

In an electronic mail to KSAT, the Florida Center for Government Accountability stated, “Those records indicated that Mr. (James) Uthmeier was introducing Mr. (Larry) Keefe to Luis Saenz (Gov. Abbott’s Chief of Staff) as the point of contact for Gov. DeSantis.”

Public data launched by Governor Ron DeSantis’ office final week show screenshots of texts between Uthmeier and Keefe.

On Monday, Sept. 5, Keefe texted partly, “I’m back out here,” referring to San Antonio. Uthmeier replied, “Very good. You have my full support. Call anytime.”

Later that night, Uthmeier adopted up with, “Texas is aware of Dash, FYI. No worries here.”

The almost 200 paperwork lay out this system, together with the quotes from three corporations. DeSantis’ office finally opted for Vertol Systems Company, Inc.

The whole price isn’t made totally clear via the paperwork releases. However, DeSantis’ office was quoted for a minimal of $26,000 for 5 folks from Florida to Massachusetts. The costs, in accordance to an electronic mail from a Vertol Systems Company and the Florida Department of Transportation, depend upon the gap and people on board.

According to the general public data, Florida’s Department of Transportation acquired $12 million from the State’s COVID Fiscal Recovery Fund. An ABC information report stated a Florida Treasury Department watchdog plans to run an audit to decide if the funds have been appropriately used.

DeSantis’ office now faces a number of lawsuits. Documents recommend they anticipated a authorized battle. According to HB 5001 Section 182, “The nonrecurring sum of $1,500,000 from the General Revenue Fund is appropriated to the Department of State for Fiscal Year 2021-2022, for litigation.”

KSAT reached out to each DeSantis’ and Abbott’s places of work for feedback. We are nonetheless ready to hear again.