Authorities in California are facing a perplexing situation as they investigate the origins of a group of 16 migrants who were unexpectedly brought to the doorstep of a diocese in Sacramento. Reports indicate that these Venezuelan and Colombian refugees had entered the United States through El Paso and were subsequently processed by immigration officials. However, it remains unclear who arranged for their transportation to California.
According to the Associated Press, the migrants claim to have been flown on a private charter jet to Sacramento. Eddie Carmona, campaign director for PICO California, a nonprofit advocating for racial and economic justice, revealed that after crossing the border, the refugees were approached by individuals representing a private contractor. These individuals offered to transport them to their intended destination, resulting in their journey from El Paso to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, via New Mexico.
Carmona expressed deep concern, stating, “They were purposely deceived and misled.” However, the identity of those responsible for organizing the transportation remains unknown, as no politician or organization has taken credit for the arrangement.
California’s Democratic Attorney General, Rob Bonta, shared that the migrants possessed documentation allegedly originating from the government of the State of Florida. Governor Gavin Newsom affirmed his commitment to ensuring the well-being and fair treatment of the migrants, mentioning ongoing collaboration with local officials and nonprofit partners to assist them during their immigration cases.
To uncover the truth behind the incident, Newsom announced that his administration is actively working with the California Department of Justice to investigate who financed the trip and whether any false promises or unlawful actions were involved. Bonta hinted that this situation could potentially be considered a “state-sanctioned kidnapping,” emphasizing the need to condemn cruelty and hateful rhetoric towards those seeking refuge.
The Mayor of California, Darrell Steinberg, condemned the act of human trafficking, emphasizing its despicable and felony nature in a public statement. He demanded accountability from those responsible, highlighting the cruelty of manipulating vulnerable individuals for political gain.
ABC 10 news station reported that the migrants were disoriented and had minimal belongings, only carrying what could fit in a backpack. The Los Angeles Times highlighted a similar incident a year ago involving eight Venezuelan refugees transported from Texas to Sacramento, indicating a recurring pattern that remains unexplained by the individuals behind the bookings.