Massachusetts GOP seeks transparency in state's $1 billion migrant spending: "Veil of secrecy"

The Bay State's migrant crisis spending has been the subject of a formal request from Massachusetts Republicans to the state government for information on the alleged "$1 billion in secret spending."

"The Healey-Driscoll Administration has kept nearly $1 billion spent in secrecy, leaving Massachusetts residents in the dark, according to MassGOP chair Amy Carnevale. The administration has withheld critical information on 600 incidents involving police, fire and EMT. Moreover, the administration has blocked journalists at every turn, obstructing the flow of information to the public."

In a FOIA request, Carnvevale sought details on the state's financial support for housing migrants.

The migrant crisis is shrouded in secrecy due to the Democrats' supermajority, according to Carnvevale.

"The Massachusetts Republican Party is opposing the secrecy and hindrance of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Democratic majority, as well as standing with the press corps in demanding transparency. The public has a right to know about the vendors profiting from the crisis and the safety concerns affecting our communities."

The Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) released a report on July 24, predicting that The Bay State will struggle to manage the growing number of migrants coming to the state. As a result, the MassGOP has made a request.

The Emergency Assistance (EA) sheltering program, which houses migrants, has already received more than $1 billion in funding from the state.

The cost of temporary housing and shelters to Massachusetts taxpayers is significant, but it is minuscule compared to the expenses that will accumulate in the future if those currently in temporary shelters remain in the Commonwealth for an extended period.

The number of "illegal and inadmissible" migrants living in Massachusetts is estimated to be around 355,000, with 50,000 new arrivals since 2021. Additionally, the report stated that 10,000 migrants were minors, with 8,500 being unaccompanied.

The MassGOP and Healey's office have been contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital for comment.

Planet Chronicle Digital's Joshua Nelson contributed to this report.