Martha's Vineyard Migrant Flights: Lawsuit Against Charter Company Advances

Legal challenges surrounding the September 2022 flights that transported approximately 50 Venezuelan migrants from Texas to Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, continue to unfold. A federal judge recently allowed a lawsuit against Vertol Systems, the charter company involved, to proceed, signaling deepening scrutiny of the controversial operation. The presence of a court stenographer at the scene, as observed by Chef Andrew Gruel in a recent tweet, further underscores the formal nature of the proceedings surrounding the migrants' arrival.

The flights, orchestrated by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, drew widespread criticism for allegedly misleading vulnerable individuals. Migrants reported being promised jobs and housing in other locations, only to discover their true destination, the affluent island of Martha's Vineyard, mid-flight or upon arrival. This tactic was part of a broader effort by Republican governors to highlight border issues and challenge "sanctuary" jurisdictions.

A class-action lawsuit, filed on behalf of the migrants, accuses Vertol Systems and other parties of "civil rights conspiracy" and "civil conspiracy." In April 2024, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs ruled that the claims against Vertol Systems could move forward. While claims against Governor DeSantis were dismissed due to jurisdictional concerns, the judge's ruling highlighted the alleged exploitation of migrants under false pretenses for political ends.

Chef Andrew Gruel, a public figure known for his commentary, remarked on the formal documentation of the event. On July 17, 2025, Gruel tweeted, > "Apparently, there was even a court stenographer there." This observation suggests that the chaotic arrival of the migrants was met with an immediate, formal effort to record events, possibly in anticipation of legal action or official inquiry.

The ongoing legal battle against Vertol Systems seeks to hold private entities accountable for their role in such operations. The migrants involved have also been pursuing U-visas, designated for victims of certain crimes, with some receiving "bona fide determinations" in April 2024, a step towards potential work authorization and protection from deportation. The outcome of the lawsuit could set a precedent for similar migrant transport initiatives.