Biden better be paying attention.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared that the state will continue to transport migrants to sanctuary cities until the Biden administration enhances security at the southern border. Despite facing opposition from Democratic leaders, Abbott maintains that this bussing initiative significantly alleviates the burden on Texas border towns, which often struggle with the influx of migrants from Mexico.
Abbott emphasized the mission’s importance in a recent post, stating, “Texas will bus migrants to sanctuary cities until Biden secures the border. Our mission provides vital relief to border towns.”
The governor’s office reports that Texas has already transported over 12,500 migrants to Washington D.C., around 25,000 to New York City, 20,000 to Chicago, 3,200 to Philadelphia, 7,400 to Denver, and just over 1,000 to Los Angeles.
This move has sparked sharp criticism from officials in these Democrat-controlled cities, who argue that they have been given little or no prior notice about the arrival of buses filled with migrants.
Abbott has countered this criticism by suggesting that sanctuary cities, which publicly declare their willingness to welcome undocumented immigrants, don’t experience the same daily challenges as border towns.
New York City, in particular, has felt the strain of this situation. The city’s residents have expressed frustration with local officials over the handling of the influx. In a notable incident, a 94-year-old Army war veteran was evicted from his nursing home, which is now being used to provide free housing for migrants. Frank Tammaro, the veteran, shared his distress with Fox News, saying, “It’s no joke getting thrown out of a house.”
Tammaro also expressed his dismay at seeing the city extend support and resources to migrants while he, a tax-paying citizen, was evicted. “I’ve never got anything from the city. Or the state,” he added.
Meanwhile, New York City is expanding its assistance to asylum seekers, aiding them in completing applications for asylum, work authorization, and other programs, as it continues to manage the challenges of the migrant crisis, which has led to significant budget cuts.
In response to the border situation, Texas has enacted its own security measures, including a new state law that increases penalties for human smuggling and criminal activities related to stash houses. The state has also constructed barriers along the border and intensified border enforcement.