Border Patrol Lies About Migrant Flights.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: "Border Patrol Agents Take Migrants to the Airport, Put Them on a Plane to Any Destination, Pay Their Ticket, and Get Reimbursed by FEMA." False.

During a parallel event to the presidential debate, independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed that Border Patrol agents take migrants to the airport, put them on planes to their desired destination, pay for their tickets, and then get reimbursed by FEMA. This statement is false.

Statement:

"Border Patrol agents take migrants "to the Yuma airport, put them on a plane to any destination they want... And they pay their ticket. And then they get reimbursement from FEMA."

Facts:

• Kennedy's statement is not supported by evidence.
• Border Patrol decides whether to release, detain, or deport migrants, and does not coordinate their onward travel.
• Migrants released from custody must pay for their own transportation, though they may receive help from nonprofits.
• The Federal government only arranges flights for specific scenarios: moving detainees between centers or deporting them, and unaccompanied minors to relatives or shelters as required by law.
• FEMA has programs providing funds to local governments and nonprofits for migrant aid, including transportation. This is not unique to the Biden administration and began under Trump.
• FEMA does not reimburse Border Patrol.

Sources:

• PolitiFact: "How Viable Is Trump's 2024 Immigration Plan?"
• Rober F. Kennedy Jr., X Social Post
• PolitiFact: "Fact-Checking Francis Suarez's Claim"
• DHS: "ICE Air Operations"
• The New York Times: "'Ghost Flights'? Transporting Migrant Children"
• FEMA: "Shelter and Services Program"
• FEMA: "Emergency Food and Shelter Program"
• GAO Report: "Southwest Border: DHS Coordinates with Nonprofits Serving Noncitizens"
• [Email Statements: DHS, MPI, AIC, and Sacred Heart Church Shelter](,,)