(TheRedWire.com) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Democrat, publicly criticized Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, for sending a plane loaded with migrants to Chicago. In a CNN interview, Mayor Johnson described Governor Abbott’s actions as “reckless” and “dangerous.”
This recent chartered flight, carrying 120 migrants, is an extension of Abbott’s strategy to transport thousands of migrants from Texas to various sanctuary cities across the United States. This move is seen as a protest against President Biden’s immigration policies. Abbott announced the expansion of his program to include flights to Chicago on X, previously known as Twitter, declaring his intention to continue until the federal government addresses border security.
Local leaders in Chicago have strongly condemned Abbott’s busing program. According to city data, approximately 26,000 migrants have arrived in Chicago by bus since the previous year, with an additional 4,200 arriving by air.
Mayor Johnson acknowledged that there is a need for more concerted efforts between state and local governments on immigration, but he disagreed with Abbott’s approach. He emphasized the necessity for a coordinated response and additional resources to handle the immigration crisis effectively.
Johnson criticized the Texas government’s actions, arguing they did not contribute positively to the situation. He called for substantial immigration reform and policies that offer a clear path to citizenship for migrants.
The influx of migrants into Chicago has prompted the city to increase penalties for bus companies that drop off migrants without proper notification or at non-designated locations. The White House has labeled Governor Abbott’s moves as a “political stunt,” with spokesperson Angelo Fernández Hernández condemning Abbott’s lack of human regard and respect.
Mayor Johnson also participated in a video conference with New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, both Democrats, to denounce the migrant transportation scheme further. Abbott has similarly sent migrants to New York City and Denver. Mayor Adams highlighted the challenges posed by unannounced arrivals of migrants, stressing the difficulties in providing orderly assistance and the potential dangers to those who have already endured much.
Mayor Johnson concluded by addressing the chaotic situation and lack of care shown towards the migrants over the past year and a half.
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