Texas has bused approximately 25,000 migrants out of the state to self-declared sanctuary cities in a controversial program to address the crisis of unlawful migrants crossing the Southern border.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted shortly after Independence Day, “Texas continues to bus migrants to sanctuary cities, providing critical relief to overwhelmed border towns.”
He claimed that this includes more than 10,300 to Washington, DC, over 9,200 to New York City, at least 3,400 to Chicago, over 1,800 to Philadelphia, roughly 200 to Denver, and more than 80 to Los Angeles.
In total, the busing program has moved close to 25,000 individuals from Texas to cities across the country, by Abbott’s count.
Abbott announced last month that Texas had dispatched more than 500 buses since the program started, as reported by The Dallas Express.
The most recent destination, Los Angeles, was added in June. At the time, the governor explained, “Los Angeles is a major city that migrants seek to go to, particularly now that its city leaders approved its self-declared sanctuary city status.”
“Our border communities are on the frontlines of President Biden’s border crisis, and Texas will continue providing this much-needed relief until he steps up to do his job and secure the border,” he continued.
Abbott’s decision was condemned by California politicians, with state Sen. Scott Wiener tweeting, “Sanctuary means people choose to go somewhere & we then treat them like human beings when they arrive. As opposed to treating people as sub-human & dumping them in a city thousands of miles away.”
Similarly, California state Rep. Isaac Bryan wrote, “This is not leadership. This is not compassion. Those seeking safety and refuge deserve better… we all deserve better.”
Others, however, have voiced their support of the program, dismissing humanitarian concerns as unfounded.
Selene Rodriguez, the assistant director of federal affairs at the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), and Right on Immigration policy intern Chris Elmore wrote, “How did the situation deteriorate to this point? Because of the Biden administration’s incompetent border policies — fueled by open border advocates.”
“Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan to bus migrants out of Texas has been a responsible decision for the state,” the writers claimed, calling the initiative “a cost-effective method that has lifted the hardships on border communities, while keeping migrants safe and healthy.”
Responding to the allegations that the busing program is “inhumane, or immoral,” TPPF said, “This argument fails to make any logical sense. These migrants willingly boarded the buses in order to find better opportunities.”
“The Department of Public Safety inspects every single bus before departure, so there is no risk to their safety,” they continued. “Additionally, the program provides food, water, blankets and security throughout the entire trip.”
