Sussex County rises to the occasion

Sussex County was thrust into the national spotlight Sept. 20, when unconfirmed reports said a plane full of Venezuelan migrants was headed to Delaware Coastal Airport in Georgetown. Screenshots of the flight plan quickly went viral through text messages and on social media.

It wasn't a surprise to many, as several politicians and political operatives have vowed to send migrants to Democratic states, including President Joe Biden's home state.

But rather than waiting to see how this political stunt would play out, Delaware residents, organizations, churches and businesses quickly organized, collecting food, water, healthcare supplies and other necessary provisions to offer compassionate care to the visitors should they arrive. The state also had a plan to assess the health conditions of the migrants and provide shelter. 

Many groups waited at the airport all day with dozens of members of the media who came from near and far. Other groups and individuals were on standby should their help be needed.

But as the day progressed, it became evident the plane was not coming. After sitting on the runway in Texas long past its scheduled departure time, the flight plan was altered and the plane went to Nashville, Tenn., before heading to its original final destination of Teterboro, N.J., just across the Hudson River from New York City. Media in New Jersey reported that no migrants were on board when the plane arrived.

While we may never know whether the plane was intended to create chaos or it was just a total coincidence, we learned that Sussex County is ready if or when politicians decide to use migrant people as pawns. If a message was sent Sept. 20, it's that Delawareans are ready and willing to step up when there are calls to action, as we've always done whether it be a natural disaster, a sick or injured neighbor, or a person in need. The nation now knows Delaware residents, particularly those in Sussex County, will see through political theatrics and do what is right for all human beings.