Chicago was the next target of Texas after nearly 60 migrants were transported to the city on Wednesday.
The recent busing of migrants was part of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s ongoing policy to transport undocumented immigrants to so-called “sanctuary cities,” across the United States.
However, both Chicago Democrat Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Democrat Gov. JB Pritzker declared that the newly arrived immigrants are welcome in Illinois.
Both Democrats also vowed that they will make sure the new arrivals receive essential services.
In a statement released by Pritzker on Wednesday night, he declared that “Illinois welcomes refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants and we are working with federal and city officials to ensure that these individuals are treated with respect and safety as they look to connect with their family and friends.”
First Texas bus of migrants has arrived in Chicago.
Biden's inaction at our border puts Texans at risk & is overwhelming our communities.
We'll continue bussing migrants to sanctuary cities like NYC, DC, & now Chicago until the federal gov't does its job & secures the border. pic.twitter.com/RccsdIOXiI
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) September 1, 2022
“My great-grandfather came to this country as an immigrant fleeing Ukraine in 1881. Immigrants just like my family seeking freedom and opportunity built this country. Illinois is and has always been a welcoming state,” the Democrat added.
Just in April, Governor Abbott launched the program and issued a memo ordering the state’s Department of Emergency Management “to begin coordinating the voluntary transportation” of undocumented immigrants who had been released from federal custody.
The governor’s memo also ordered mayors and county judges to inform the agency of any “drop-offs” by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security “that may necessitate dispatching a bus, a plane, or some other means of evacuating such migrants from our State.”
The Republican governor started transporting immigrants to Washington, D.C., and later to New York City. Chicago is the third target to receive immigrants.
In a report released by Chicago Sun-Times, most of those who arrived were from Venezuela.
Abbott’s recent movement was part of his protest against US President Joe Biden’s reckless decision in April to lift the Trump administration’s Title 42 expulsions that permits the authorities to expel immigrants, including asylum seekers, arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border based on public health concerns related to COVID-19.
“President Biden’s inaction at our southern border continues putting the lives of Texans and Americans at risk and is overwhelming our communities. To continue providing much-needed relief to our small, overrun border towns, Chicago will join fellow sanctuary cities Washington, D.C. and New York City as an additional drop-off location.” Abbott said in a statement on Wednesday.
