The showdown between Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and New York City Mayor Eric Adams over the bussing of illegal immigrants is heating up. Speaking to a crowd in Manhattan, Abbott doubled down on his controversial policy, vowing to continue sending busloads of migrants to progressive cities “until we get a new president.”
Adams fired back, criticizing Abbott’s “stunning” complaints about receiving a fraction of the immigrants Texas deals with daily. But Abbott remains defiant, embracing his role as provocateur-in-chief. With over 180,000 migrants overwhelming New York’s resources since 2022, many bussed from Texas, the Lone Star State governor is betting his hardline stance will play well with voters.
Abbott Travels to NYC to Defend Bussing Policy
Governor Abbott was determined to defend Texas’ controversial policy of bussing undocumented immigrants to sanctuary cities.
Speaking at a Republican gala in New York City, Abbott told the crowd that Texas would continue transporting migrants to cities like New York “until we get a new president.”
Over 180,000 Immigrants Bused to NYC
According to Abbott, over 180,000 undocumented immigrants have entered New York City since 2022, with at least 107,000 bussed in from Texas.
The influx has overwhelmed city resources, leaving officials struggling to find housing and aid for the new arrivals.
Criticism from Mayor Adams Prompted Retaliation
Abbott initially planned to bus immigrants only to Washington D.C., hoping to send a message to President Biden and Vice President Harris.
However, when New York City Mayor Eric Adams criticized Abbott’s handling of the border crisis, the governor decided to bus migrants to NYC as well.
No End in Sight
Abbott made it clear Texas would not stop transporting immigrants to sanctuary cities until there is a change in federal leadership.
“We are going to have to maintain this process until we get a new president next November who will secure the border of the United States of America,” Abbott said.
Texas Facing Overwhelming Numbers at the Border
Texas Governor Greg Abbott says the state is being overwhelmed by illegal immigrants crossing its southern border.
According to Abbott, roughly 180,000 migrants have arrived in Texas since 2022, straining resources and infrastructure.
Operation Lone Star
The governor decided to take matters into his own hands by launching “Operation Lone Star” last March. The multi-agency effort aims to curb illegal border crossings and stem the flow of drugs and human traffickers into Texas.
However, critics argue the $4 billion operation has done little to fix the problem. Frustrated, Abbott began bussing migrants to Washington D.C. and New York City – self-proclaimed “sanctuary cities” – to force federal action.
Abbott’s Plan to Bus Migrants to D.C.
Governor Abbott devised a plan to transport undocumented immigrants arriving in Texas to Washington D.C., the nation’s capital.
Abbott’s initial idea was to bus migrants specifically to D.C. because neither President Biden nor Vice President Harris had visited the border to witness the crisis firsthand. According to Abbott, “My thought process was, if they’re not going to come to the border, we’re going to take the border to them.”
Broadening to Include NYC
Abbott then decided also to bus migrants to New York City after Mayor Adams criticized Texas’ handling of the influx.
Although Abbott’s office claimed they did not plan to send migrants to NYC, Adams’ refusal to back down led Abbott to follow through. “If I’m going to get the criticism, I want to get the credit,” Abbott told supporters. “And thus began the bussing of illegal immigrants to the sanctuary city of New York City.”
Inhumane Risk and Worsening The Humanitarian Crisis
Supporters praise Abbott for taking action, but critics argue bussing migrants is inhumane and risks worsening the humanitarian crisis.
The bussing efforts have intensified political tensions over how to handle immigration reform and border security.
Putting on the Pressure
Abbott made it clear that Texas would continue bussing illegal immigrants to sanctuary cities until the Biden administration secures the border.
He called the situation at the border “chaotic” and “extraordinarily dangerous.” In his view, the policies of the Biden administration have only served to worsen conditions along the border.
Over 100,000 Believed Bused From Texas For Politics
Many critics argue that Abbott’s decision to bus migrants to New York City was a purely political move designed to shift attention away from Texas’ role in fueling illegal immigration.
New York officials claim they have been overwhelmed by the influx, with over 100,000 migrants believed to have arrived in the city from Texas since 2022.
New York Housing Crisis
New York City has struggled to find housing and resources for the surge of new arrivals. Mayor Adams has converted several hotels into temporary shelters, but space is running out.
The city’s homeless shelter system was already strained before the bussing began and is now at a “breaking point,” according to mayoral officials.
Political Motivations Behind Abbot’s Plan
Critics see Abbott’s actions as a political stunt aimed at prodding the Biden administration to take more action on border control.
By bussing migrants to places like Washington, D.C., and New York City, Abbott brought national attention to issues at the border while portraying Democratic leaders as hypocrites who support sanctuary city policies until those policies directly impact them.
Abbott Vows to Maintain Bussing “Until We Get a New President”
Governor Abbott is determined to continue transporting undocumented immigrants to sanctuary cities until there is new leadership in the Oval Office.
At a Republican gala in New York City, Abbott told attendees that the bussing program will carry on “until we get a new president next November who will secure the border.”
