Governor Greg Abbott has proudly declared the cessation of Texas’ controversial migrant busing program a success, asserting its effectiveness in addressing immigration issues.
At a Glance
- Governor Abbott’s migrant busing program halted due to a lack of migrants to transport.
- The program involved sending migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border to Democratic-led cities.
- Abbott attributes the decrease in border crossings to his stringent border security measures.
- Approximately 120,000 migrants were bused to cities like New York since April 2022.
Migrants Bused to Democratic-Led Cities
Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s migrant busing initiative has come to an end, significantly impacting Democratic-led cities like New York, which received thousands of migrants. The program was designed to alleviate the burden on Texas border areas by relocating migrants to states with more liberal immigration policies. Starting in April 2022, it has transported around 120,000 individuals.
Abbott believes the program was instrumental in bringing border security issues to the national stage and pressuring the federal government to act. His office has credited a combination of razor wire, river buoys, and other stringent measures for the decline in border crossings.
https://twitter.com/govabbott?lang=en
Financial and Strategic Aspects
The state of Texas has invested significant resources into the busing initiative, spending approximately $150 million. Critics often question the humanitarian implications of the policy, viewing it as politically motivated. Despite this, Abbott cites the financial burden imposed by federal immigration policies as justification for the expenditure.
“It certainly is a great deal of money to be spent,” said Ray Perryman, an economic expert. “I think the question is, ‘Should it be done?'” https://www.texastribune.org/2024/02/21/texas-migrants-busing-cost-greg-abbott/
Moreover, U.S. Customs and Border Protection data shows a steady decrease in encounters at the Southwest border, aligning with the timeline of the busing initiative and Abbott’s broader Operation Lone Star. This comprehensive approach not only involved busing but also enhanced safety inspections and installation of concertina wire to hinder illegal crossings.
https://twitter.com/gregabbott_tx?lang=en
Legal and Public Response
Some states and organizations were less enthusiastic about Abbott’s methods. The city of New York, under Mayor Eric Adams, recently filed a lawsuit demanding over $700 million from transport companies contracted for the busing. Concerns over safety and legality have led groups like the Val Verde Border Humanitarian Coalition to withdraw their initial support.
Other states, including Florida and Arizona, have introduced similar busing programs. Democratic governors in Illinois and Colorado have called for federal intervention and requested that Texas halt sending migrants during critical times. The White House, meanwhile, reaffirms that immigration enforcement falls under federal jurisdiction.
Greg Abbott maintains that his aggressive policies, rather than federal actions, have contributed to the decline in border crossings. “It was the robust, comprehensive approach by Texas that actually led to the decline. Biden just happened to come in and stepped and rode on our coattails,” Abbott told NewsNation. https://www.newsweek.com/greg-abbott-migrant-buses-texas-immigration-1944159
With the program now concluded, the debate continues on its long-term impact and ethical implications. Governor Abbott’s declaration of success underscores ongoing conflicts over immigration policy between Texas and federal government authorities.
Sources:
1. Greg Abbott Claims Victory As Migrant Buses Stop Leaving Texas
2. Texas has spent more than $148 million busing migrants to other parts of the country
3. Gov. Greg Abbott’s border tactics force Democrats to confront migrant crisis in their own backyards
