Texas Transports Over 102,000 Migrants to Sanctuary Cities, Including 37,500 to New York City
Texas Governor Greg Abbott revealed on Monday that Texas has bused more than 102,000 migrants to so-called sanctuary cities, with over 37,500 being sent to New York City. This initiative was launched by the governor in April 2022 as a response to the Biden administration’s failure to secure the southern border. The goal was to force blue states to share the burden that Texas has faced due to the record numbers of illegal immigrants and asylum-seekers crossing the border since President Biden took office.
Abbott emphasized in a tweet that overwhelmed Texas border towns should not bear the brunt of Biden’s open border policies. He stated that Texas will continue its transportation mission until the border is secured by the Biden administration.
New York City and Chicago have received the majority of migrants relocated from Texas. Since August 2022, more than 37,500 migrants have been sent to the Big Apple, while the Windy City has received over 31,200 migrants during the same period.
Other cities that have received migrants include Denver, which has sent more than 16,000 since May 18, and Washington, D.C., which has received over 12,500 since April 2022. Philadelphia and Los Angeles have received the least amount of migrants, with over 3,400 and 1,500 respectively.
These numbers represent an increase of approximately 7,000 since the last update provided by the state on the number of migrants transported under Operation Lone Star. This operation was launched by Governor Abbott in 2021 as a state border security and burden-sharing effort.
In a recent proclamation, Governor Abbott asserted that Texas’ right to self-defense supersedes any federal statutes to the contrary. This statement came amid a feud with the Biden administration over his efforts to stem the flow of illegal immigration.
As part of Operation Lone Star, Texas has installed razor wire along a 30-mile stretch of land near the US-Mexico border in Eagle Pass. However, the US Supreme Court ruled that the Biden administration could remove this razor wire.
The Justice Department has also threatened to sue Texas over its enforcement of a new law that allows state authorities to arrest, jail, prosecute, and deport migrants who enter the country illegally. Additionally, the state has been sued over its construction of a floating barrier in the Rio Grande.
Overall, Texas continues to take action to address the challenges posed by illegal immigration and is actively seeking to hold the Biden administration accountable for securing the southern border.
