Democratic mayors accuse Greg Abbott of causing immigration ‘chaos’ in cities
Democratic Mayors Blame Gov. Abbott for Chaos Amid Influx of Immigrants
Democratic mayors in Chicago and Denver are pointing fingers at Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) for the “chaos” surrounding the influx of immigrants to their cities, demanding better coordination to address the issue.
In a Sunday interview with CBS News’s Face the Nation, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston expressed the pressure their local governments are facing due to the crisis at the southern border. They criticized Abbott for busing thousands of migrants to cities across the United States without proper coordination.
“What we have is clearly, clearly an international and federal crisis that local governments are being asked to subsidize and this is unsustainable. None of our local economies are positioned to be able to carry on such a mission,” Johnson emphasized.
“Unfortunately, the governor of Texas, Governor Abbott, is determined to continue to sow seeds of chaos. And last night, and several nights before, a number of buses continue to arrive in the city of Chicago, throughout the country, without any coordination,” the Chicago mayor added.
Chicago currently shelters over 14,000 migrants in 27 city shelters, with more than 26,000 immigrants having arrived since August 2022. In Denver, over 35,000 immigrants have arrived within the past year.
Johnson expressed concern about the buses being dropped off across the country in the middle of the night, leaving people without support or coordination with local municipalities. He emphasized the need for better coordination between all levels of government to address this chaotic situation.
Denver Mayor Johnston echoed Johnson’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of a humanitarian system for both newcomers and city residents. He highlighted the need to avoid situations where women and children are left outside city buildings in freezing temperatures without support.
When asked about Denver considering bus restrictions similar to those in Chicago and New York City, Johnston stated, “We understand the flow is coming. We just want it to be coordinated and in a humanitarian way which we think makes it effective for the city and for those newcomers.”
Both mayors have communicated their cities’ needs to the White House, with Johnston expressing optimism that this is a “solvable problem.” He emphasized the necessity of federal dollars to support their work in the cities and at the border, including expedited asylum claim adjudication within 90 days instead of several years.
Johnston also highlighted the importance of resources for work authorization, allowing cities to put migrants to work, which aligns with their desires. He stressed the need for a coordinated entry plan, where decisions on where to send people are not solely made by the governor of Texas, but follow the established welcoming process for asylees in the country.
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What are some of the challenges faced by cities like Chicago and Denver in providing resources for the influx of immigrants?
, without any communication or coordination with local officials,” he added.
Johnson further expressed concern about the lack of resources and support from the federal government, stating that “the burden is being placed on our cities to provide shelter, food, and other essentials for these migrants, and it is overwhelming our systems.” He called on the Biden administration to address the issue more effectively and provide better assistance to local governments.
Mayor Johnston echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the strain the influx of immigrants is putting on Denver’s resources. “We are already facing significant challenges in meeting the needs of our own residents, and without proper coordination and support, we are struggling to manage this additional burden,” he said.
Both mayors acknowledged the humanitarian aspect of the issue and expressed compassion for the immigrants seeking a better life in the United States. However, they also pointed out that local governments cannot shoulder this responsibility alone and need assistance from the federal government to address the crisis effectively.
In response to the criticism, Governor Abbott defended his actions, arguing that the federal government’s inaction necessitated his intervention. “The Biden administration has failed to secure our borders, and as a result, states like Texas are having to step up to fill the void,” he said in a statement.
Abbott also accused the Biden administration of downplaying the severity of the situation and called on President Biden to take immediate action to address the crisis. “The federal government must do its job and secure the border to prevent even more chaos and suffering,” he emphasized.
The situation at the southern border has become a contentious issue, with both sides of the political spectrum blaming each other for the crisis. While Democratic mayors are blaming Governor Abbott for the chaos in their cities, Republicans argue that the Biden administration’s immigration policies are to blame for the influx of migrants.
As the debate intensifies, it is clear that there is a pressing need for better coordination between the federal government and local authorities to address the challenges posed by the influx of immigrants. The burden placed on cities like Chicago and Denver is unsustainable without adequate support and resources. Finding a comprehensive and humane solution to this complex issue should remain a priority for all levels of government.
As the situation unfolds, it is essential for stakeholders to come together and find common ground to ensure the well-being of both the immigrants and the local communities affected by the influx.
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