Abbott tells Lightfoot to ‘call on the Biden administration to do its job’ amid migrant crisis

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has responded to Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s request to stop busing immigrants to her city. In his response, Abbott asked Lightfoot to redirect her inquiries to the Biden administration.

Lightfoot, a Democrat who recently lost her reelection bid for Chicago mayor, pleaded with Abbott to end his migrant busing policy on Sunday. She called it “inhumane and dangerous” and claimed Chicago didn’t have the resources to take in any more immigrants.

Abbott Refuses to Stop Busing Policy

Despite Lightfoot’s plea, Abbott refused to stop the busing policy on Monday. Instead, he told Lightfoot to request the Biden administration change its immigration policy.

“If you truly want to ‘work together to find a real solution’ to this border crisis gripping our nation, you must call on the Biden administration to do its job by securing our border, repelling the illegal immigrants flooding into our communities, classifying the Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, and intercepting the deadly fentanyl that is endangering our country,” Abbott wrote.

“Texas began busing migrants to sanctuary cities such as your ‘Welcoming City,’ along with Washington, D.C., New York City, and Philadelphia, to provide much-needed relief to our overrun border communities. Until President Biden secures the border to stop the inflow of mass migration, Texas will continue this necessary program,” he continued.

Lightfoot Accuses Abbott of Causing Chaos for Political Gain

In her Sunday letter, Lightfoot criticized Abbott’s efforts as causing chaos in order to “score political points.”

“Chicago is a Welcoming City and we collaborate with County, State, and community partners to rise to this challenge, but your lack of consideration or coordination in an attempt to cause chaos and score political points has resulted in a critical tipping point in our ability to receive individuals and families in a safe, orderly, and dignified way,” Lightfoot’s letter read.

Numbers Game

According to Lightfoot, her city has received over 8,000 immigrants since last August. Abbott has said the number is only a small fraction of what his state receives.

Conclusion

It remains to be seen whether Lightfoot will take Abbott’s advice and redirect her inquiries to the Biden administration. In the meantime, the debate over immigration policy continues to rage on.

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