New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) has accused Texas Gov. Greg Abbott of intentionally sending asylum seekers to major cities with Black mayors, following Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's plea for the governor to stop sending migrant buses to her city due to a lack of available resources and accommodations.
Mayor Adams' comments come as the Biden administration is expected to end the Title 42 pandemic policy next week, which would further increase pressure on local governments dealing with an influx of migrants seeking asylum in the United States.
In response to both Democratic mayors' concerns, Governor Abbott stated that "as the mayor of a self-declared sanctuary city, it is ironic to hear you complain about Chicago's struggle to deal with a few thousand illegal immigrants, which is a fraction of the record-high numbers we deal with in Texas on a regular basis."
Mayors from affected cities have called upon federal assistance in order to help them manage this pressing issue. Despite facing challenges posed by these growing numbers, Mayor Eric Adams assured New Yorkers that their city will continue doing all it can in order handle this influx responsibly.
"We are committed providing assistance and support for those seeking refuge within our borders," said Mayor Adams. "However, we must also hold state leaders accountable when they appear be targeting specific communities or exploiting vulnerable populations for political gain."
Both mayors are urging President Joe Biden's administration not only provide critical funding and resources required accommodate new arrivals but also address underlying issues contributing migration crisis at large.
"Ending Title 42 alone won't solve problems faced by border states like Texas or sanctuary cities like New York and Chicago," commented Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. "We need comprehensive immigration reform legislation from Congress coupled effective policies addressing root causes driving people leave their homes seek safety opportunity here America."