Delaware official: 'No reports of anyone arriving' after incoming migrant plane rumors

A buzz formed around a small Delaware airport Tuesday as members of the media and community organizations waited near Georgetown for the arrival of a plane – one that many people believed would be carrying migrant people from Florida to make a political statement on behalf of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

But after a rush to mobilize state agencies and community organizations, and hours of waiting on an empty tarmac, there were no signs of migrants late Tuesday afternoon.

Jill Fredel, spokesperson for the state Department of Health and Social Services, announced around 2:30 p.m. that the state agency received no reports of a plane arriving at Delaware Coastal Airport near Georgetown with migrants on board.

This was the first time all day that someone could at least marginally confirm or deny that a plane would be arriving near Georgetown, a typically quiet airport used for the occasional private jet.

The morning began with the first reports of a plane scheduled to leave Texas, stop in Florida and land at the Delaware Coastal Airport, originally by 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

But after hours of refreshing flight tracking websites and waiting at the Georgetown-area terminal, there was no sign of a plane − or confirmation that the plane had ever taken off.

Meanwhile, the Delaware governor’s office and local community groups mobilized for the possibility of migrants arriving in Georgetown unannounced.

Gov. John Carney’s spokesperson Emily David Hershman said Tuesday morning that the governor's office was aware of the reports and preparing for the potential arrival.

“Our teams at [Delaware Emergency Management Agency] and [Delaware Department of Health and Social Services] are working with community organizations and other partners to make sure that migrants who arrive here have the support that they need,” Hershman said.

Fredel said Tuesday afternoon that the state is prepared and ready to welcome any visitors, should they arrive, and that they are standing up ways for the community to provide support and aid.

Tuesday's flurry around flight paths comes after DeSantis sent 48 Venezuelan people from the San Antonio airport to Martha's Vineyard on two private planes last week. A Texas sheriff later announced on Monday that he has opened an investigation into the legality of these flights, according to the Associated Press.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz tweeted earlier this week that Rehoboth Beach would be a potential destination for the influx of people crossing the border, especially because President Joe Biden has a vacation home in North Shores near Rehoboth.

BACKGROUNDMigrants flown to Martha's Vineyard may move to Cape Cod military base: What we know

At a press briefing Tuesday afternoon, Biden − following brief remarks about legislation about campaign finance − was asked by a White House reporter about DeSantis potentially sending migrants to Delaware.

"He should come visit,” Biden responded. “We have a beautiful shoreline.”

Below is a recap of the live updates that played out Tuesday.

No activity at New Castle airport, either

Despite a few rumblings that perhaps the plane would be diverted to New Castle County, there was almost no activity at New Castle Airport Tuesday afternoon, save for several people in an Avis car rental office.

No planes could be seen on the tarmac. Airport security was nowhere to be seen – while one man dressed in a white button-down said there were no arrivals currently, the security area where passengers walk through metal detectors was dark and empty.

Commercial passenger service is no longer available at New Castle Airport or Georgetown's − or any other airport in Delaware, for that matter − but they are two of the state's larger airports typically used for other commercial flights or privately owned jets.

- Isabel Hughes

'No reports of anyone arriving,' according to Delaware state agency

Jill Fredel, spokesperson for the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, addressed a crowd at Delaware Coastal Airport in Georgetown Tuesday around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.

"We have no reports of anyone arriving at this point," Fredel said.

Delaware volunteers called off in Georgetown

RespondDE, formerly the Delaware Medical Reserve Corps, sent out requests for volunteers on Tuesday morning, specifically looking for people to help staff a shelter that is being set up at the Stockley Center in Georgetown, according to an email and text message obtained by Delaware Online/The News Journal.

As of 2:30 p.m., RespondDE sent out a message that the shelter was no longer needed.

"We have just received word that the shelter will not be happening as of now and that we are to remain on standby in case the need arises again," the message read. "We are so sorry for the inconvenience and the sudden cancellation but this is the news we just got from [Division of Public Health]. We will update everybody if anything more develops."

The messages did not specifically cite the possibility of migrants coming to Georgetown.

According to a signup list, the volunteer organization − which is a part of the Division of Public Health − was looking for nurses and nurse techs, among other positions, for the next two days.

– Meredith Newman

Biden's response to DeSantis: 'He should come visit.'

President Joe Biden, following brief remarks about legislation about campaign finance, was asked by a White House reporter about DeSantis potentially sending migrants to Delaware.

"He should come visit,” Biden responded. “We have a beautiful shoreline.”

-Meredith Newman

DeSantis does not confirm flight to Delaware, but defends 'migrant plan'

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday again defended his plan to steer migrants apprehended at the border away from Florida and send them to “sanctuary jurisdictions” around the country and kept up the drumbeat of intense criticism of President Joe Biden’s border security policies.

But DeSantis did not confirm that a similar flight was set for Delaware on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters in Bradenton, Florida, DeSantis questioned why those denouncing his migrant plan aren’t expressing anger with Biden for allowing dozens of migrants to die last June in and around a tractor-trailer in San Antonio.

“I heard no outrage about that,” DeSantis said.

“I don’t hear outrage about the criminal aliens who have gotten through and victimized people … throughout the country, but you have 50 that end up in Martha's Vineyard, then they get really upset.”

He said Biden’s border security policies are “doing huge damage to our country” and that “nobody can deny there's a crisis.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials on Monday reported that the number of arrests of undocumented immigrants along the southwestern border – for the first time – had surpassed 2 million this fiscal year, which ends at the end of the month.

DeSantis also pointed out that the wealthy community of Martha’s Vineyard struggled to cope with accommodating a small number of migrants, while border communities are being overwhelmed with far larger numbers of migrants.

“When you have the sheer numbers of people coming across [the border] illegally, even take out the criminal aliens, just the sheer numbers, you know, that has huge stress on the communities," he said.

– Sergio Bustos

Crowds form at Georgetown airport, including state and local agencies

The Delaware Coastal Airport parking lot was packed Tuesday afternoon around 1:30 p.m. Sussex County spokesperson Chip Guy asked anyone who was not an interpreter or member of the media to step outside the terminal building to "give everybody their space."

Guy was not able to confirm that a plane with migrants on board was headed to Georgetown at this point.

– Shannon Marvel McNaught

No 'heads-up' to Florida, Delaware or White House officials

At a White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday afternoon that the White House has been in “close contact” with Delaware state officials. There hasn’t been any communication with DeSantis or his administration. 

“Our heads-up did not come from Governor DeSantis because his only goal, as he's made it really quite clear, is to create chaos and using immigrants fleeing communism as political pawns,” Jean-Pierre said. “So it's about creating political theater for him. It's not about getting to a solution.” 

Similarly, in Crestview, Florida − where the plane was scheduled to land first − Okaloosa County spokesperson April Sarver said the county did not receive updates on flights like the one expected to arrive Tuesday.

Much of what officials learned, Sarver said, came from the public, who might be using apps to trace flights coming in from Texas or just passing rumors back and forth on social media. And because there is no air traffic control tower at Bob Sikes Airport, outgoing and incoming air traffic is monitored by Eglin Air Force Base. 

"We get to hear the rumors too, but we wouldn't get anything official," Sarver said. "I sure would like it if Gov. DeSantis would call and give me a heads-up."

She added that the county is not permitted to request a "passenger manifest" for the alleged DeSantis flight.

Ultimate Jet Carters − the company that DeSantis has claimed to contract for migrant transports − is the custodian of those records, she said

– Meredith Newman, Tom McLaughlin

Local activist responds to potential arrival of migrants

Around noon, Kevin Andrade was awaiting news of the airplane. He left a successful television career in Ecuador in 2003 to move to the Georgetown, Delaware, area and has since gone from hosting a single radio show to owning six radio stations, all part of The Voice Radio Network.  

Andrade is often at Georgetown Town Council meetings, most recently speaking against the town’s decision to give taxpayer dollars to a Confederate flag-flying museum, and has become a pseudo spokesman for the Latino community. 

“We want to do anything we can to help these people because, at the end of the day, they’re humans. They’re victims of crimes in their country, victims of human trafficking … and victims of the system,” he said.  

Serious immigration reform is imperative in the U.S., Andrade said. 

“We don’t have any policy to address this problem,” he said. “The wide-open doors at the border are only increasing the damage to the Latino community because most of them are being told, ‘The America dream is there; the doors are open,’ but they’re just gonna be deported.” 

– Shannon Marvel McNaught

Florida airport anticipates protesters, but so far only news media

While the plane was still listed as "scheduled" on multiple flight trackers as of noon, the flight path appeared to start in Texas and stop in Crestview, Florida, before reaching Delaware.

Media representatives began gathering at the airport at about 10 a.m., but no one in an official capacity would confirm the impending Crestview arrival of a plane of migrants en route to Delaware.

Reporters were barred access to the tarmac or airport buildings as they noticed an increased law enforcement presence.

Nicole Hodskins, spokeswoman for the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, confirmed the deputy presence at the airport was more robust than usual. She said it had nothing to do with the anticipated arrival of a plane of migrants.

"It has nothing to do with planes," she said. "We had information that there would possibly be protesters out there today. They’re just out there to make sure everything stays peaceful."

As of 11 a.m., a deputy confirmed no protesters had arrived.

– Tom McLaughlin

Before coming to Delaware, plane was to stop in Florida

At Bob Sikes Airport in Crestview, Florida, on Tuesday morning, local reporters noticed a heavier-than-usual law enforcement presence, with about 10 deputies milling about around the airport campus.

Bruce Bowman, vice president and general counsel for Emerald Coast Aviation − the airport's fixed base operator − insisted nothing was out of the ordinary.

"We have sheriff's deputies here all the time," Bowman said. "We have a special task force to protect the airport." 

When contacted by a reporter earlier Tuesday, Bowman insisted he knew nothing about the planned arrival. 

Bowman refused admittance to a USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA news crew to the Emerald Coast Aviation building or access to the airport tarmac to photograph the arrival of the plane scheduled to arrive from Texas. 

"You can take a shot through the fence," he said.

– Tom McLaughlin

What is happening at the Delaware airport?

After Florida, the flight was scheduled to land at Delaware Coastal Airport in Georgetown.

It was business as usual at the small, county-owned airport Tuesday morning. Employees said they were aware the plane was coming and they heard the rumors, but didn't have any idea who or what was on board.

Georgetown Mayor Bill West and Councilwoman Christine Diaz-Malone were waiting by the phone for confirmation, as well. State Rep. Ruth Briggs King said Tuesday morning she received a call last night from someone she works with in the governor's office, asking for ideas for housing resources.

"We've all heard a lot, but I haven't seen anything official," she said when reached by phone.

– Shannon Marvel McNaught

What to know about Georgetown

Locals quickly point out that the airport is still 20 miles west of Biden's Rehoboth Beach home, and those who lead nonprofit and community service efforts said this is burdening already stretched-thin resources.

"This is not at all the optic that I think they were going for in southern Delaware − dumping on Georgetown's doorstep is a far cry from Biden's beach house − and those of us who live here know truly how far that is − on every level," said community organizer Jen Mason in an email.

Located in the center of Delaware’s southernmost county, Georgetown has a population of 7,500 people, with more than 40% of residents Hispanic and Latino, up roughly 10% since 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

It is also the county seat, home to courts, law firms and numerous state agencies.

To the east, President Joe Biden keeps a home in North Shores, in the Rehoboth Beach area. It’s the only area of the predominantly conservative county to elect a Democratic state representative.  

A good rule of thumb: The farther west you go in Sussex, the redder it gets. Georgetown is no liberal enclave. 

Throughout Sussex County, there are large swaths of immigrant populations, particularly Latino and Haitian, many of whom work for local chicken producers.

Just last weekend, Georgetown hosted the annual Festival Hispano, drawing thousands. Last year, Georgetown’s first Latina town councilperson, Christine Diaz-Malone, was appointed to her position. 

Nonprofit La Esperanza, whose mission is “to assist Sussex County Latinos on their journey to achieve stability, integration and success,” is headquartered in Georgetown. 

How else is the community preparing?

As nonprofit and community groups organized Tuesday, churches were on high alert, according to St. Paul's Episcopal Church Pastor Elizabeth Kaeton.

"If this happens, we're gonna be as generous as we can be and do exactly what Jesus told us to do, which is love our neighbor as we love ourselves," she said.

Local nonprofits in Georgetown are now getting interpreters and case managers up to speed, according to community leaders. The American Civil Liberties Union in Delaware is directing anyone looking to help to donate to Sussex County organizations like La Esperanza and First State Community Action Agency.

Mike Brickner, executive director of ACLU Delaware, said the organization has been working with state officials and other community groups to coordinate a response since Monday night.

“This is cruel and immoral,” Brickner said.

Recognizing the earlier flights to Martha's Vineyard, the ACLU director denounced DeSantis for “taking advantage of people who have traveled across several countries … who are simply trying to make a better life for themselves.”

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Considering that governors from Texas and Florida have sent migrants to other politically notable places like the U.S. vice president's home, it is still possible that the arrivals could arrive closer to Biden's home in Rehoboth.

Rehoboth Beach Mayor Stan Mills said in a written statement Monday afternoon that the city was "aware of this situation and is actively reaching out to partners to be as prepared as possible should this situation arise."

Those partners include officials from state and federal agencies, as well as community service organizations, according to city spokesperson Lynne Coan.

A spokesperson for Sussex County government referred a Delaware Online reporter to the state Department of Health and Social Services.

What happened in Martha's Vineyard and other places?

This spring, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott began sending migrants who volunteered to accept a bus ride to Washington, D.C. Migrants have also been sent to New York City and Chicago.

DeSantis, who many believe will run for president in 2024, sent migrants to Martha’s Vineyard, a wealthy area where former President Barack Obama has vacationed, despite the small island being unaware and unprepared for them. The Florida governor has also publicly stated that Delaware could be next.

The migrants were falsely told jobs and housing would be waiting for them when they arrived in Martha's Vineyard, advocates and immigration attorneys told USA TODAY reporters.

The areas where these people are being sent have been unprepared for the migrants. In Martha’s Vineyard, high school students acted as translators. In Washington, Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a public emergency as a result, and created an Office of Migrant Services.

WHY THIS IS HAPPENINGVenezuelans migrating to the U.S. and now to Martha's Vineyard: 'Out of desperation'

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said last week that the city’s homeless shelter system was “nearing its breaking point” due to the influx of 11,000 migrants that have been sent to the country’s largest city. New York requires that every homeless person have a bed to sleep in. 

Many of these migrants are Venezuelan and part of a global diaspora of millions of people who left the country to escape a depressed economy and a dictatorial regime amid power outages, lack of access to reliable water, rampant inflation and political turmoil.

This is a developing story. Check back with Delaware Online for more updates.

Delaware Online reporters Shannon Marvel McNaught, Hannah Edelman and Meredith Newman contributed to this report. Reporter Tom McLaughlin of Pensacola News Journal and photographer Devon Ravine of Northwest Florida Daily News also contributed. Sergio Bustos from the Tallahassee Democrat contributed.

Emily Lytle covers Sussex County from the inland towns to the beaches, with a focus on health-related issues. Follow her on Twitter at @emily3lytle.