Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has strongly opposed California Governor Gavin Newsom's call for a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into Florida's migrant transport program. In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Moody labeled any potential investigation as "unconscionable" and "unfounded," asserting Florida's readiness to challenge any DOJ "overreach." This follows Newsom, along with California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar, requesting a DOJ investigation into Florida's program, which they term an "unauthorized alien transport program."

Moody defended the program, which has flown migrants to Martha’s Vineyard and California, emphasizing its voluntary nature and the presence of contractors to assist migrants in reaching non-governmental organizations. She characterized California's request as a political maneuver, linking it to DeSantis's presidential candidacy and suggesting it's an attempt to use the DOJ against a Republican contender. Moody reiterated that the program is lawful and criticized California's inability to provide a valid legal basis for its request.

Newsom's letter to Garland alleges that the program, unlike typical travel facilitation by jurisdictions and NGOs, involved deceiving migrants with promises of jobs and shelter. He urged the DOJ to launch federal criminal and civil investigations, citing potential violations of federal law. Separately, Bonta accused Florida of "state-sanctioned kidnapping." Moody, however, dismissed these claims, arguing that the program is voluntary and compliant with the law. She also highlighted the ongoing border crisis, attributing it to the Biden administration's policies, and defended Republican states' practice of transporting migrants to sanctuary jurisdictions.

This escalating dispute between California and Florida reflects a broader clash between Republican and Democrat-led states over immigration policy. Moody's legal actions against the Biden administration, including successfully blocking certain parole release policies, further underscore the tension. She argued that additional litigation would expose the administration's handling of immigration and the risks posed to the country.