Newsom challenges DeSantis to debate after migrants sent to Massachusetts

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) challenged Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) to a debate amid the latter's decision to send nearly 50 Venezuelan migrants to Martha’s Vineyard, a wealthy enclave outside of Boston.

The big picture: It's the latest in a clash between Republican politicians, who oppose President Biden's immigration and border policies, and Democrats, who have slammed tactics to transport migrants as a political ploy.

Republicans are particularly taking aim at sanctuary cities and sending migrants there to test their values and force them to grapple with social safety-net issues, Axios' Shawna Chen reports.

Democrats have criticized Republicans for their actions, with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) equating it to "trafficking."