Sen. Bob Menendez is condemning the actions of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis regarding migrants in the United States.

DeSantis is facing criticism for sending two flights of migrants to Martha’s Vineyard without alerting any officials on the vacation island.

The migrants were apparently promised housing and employment in Boston but were sent to Martha’s Vineyard, instead.

DeSantis said the flights were part of an effort to “transport illegal immigrants to sanctuary destinations.” The Florida Legislature has earmarked $12 million to transport “unauthorized aliens” out of state.

Menendez called out the actions, and said the DeSantis was using migrants to score political points.

“Using migrants at the very moment they are most desperate, most vulnerable, with the sole purpose of stoking the flames of xenophobia and white nationalism to score political points, reflects a callousness and cruelty matched only during the darkest times in our history,” Menendez wrote in a statement.

The statement continued, “Instead of welcoming these refugees and providing even the most basic care, Gov. DeSantis decided to spend millions of taxpayer dollars in transportation costs, just to rile up his right-wing supporters and get more hits on Fox News. Why? Because the brand of ‘cruelty’ is the No. 1 seller in today’s GOP.”

The senator also urged President Joe Biden to provide temporary protections for the migrants and others who have been bussed to other states.

The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.