Given that illegal border crossings are still at an all-time high, the mayor of Chicago is appealing for volunteers and funds to help migrants who are being transported by bus from Texas to Illinois.
The Associated Press said that the request for assistance from the Windy City came when just two buses from Texas arrived, carrying a total of around 125 individuals who had unlawfully crossed the border between the United States and Mexico before being apprehended and released by Border Patrol. The Democratic mayor of Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, stated that no Texas authorities had yet contacted her city and encouraged Greg Abbott, the Republican governor of Texas, to work with him to treat immigrants with greater humanity.
The City of Chicago welcomed approximately 50 migrants bused to Chicago from Texas.
— Ryan Johnson (@Ryan_Johnson) September 4, 2022
We will always stand up for what is right, and we will unite to give these individuals and families the support they need. If anyone is looking for ways to help, visit https://t.co/pqPvinfLBW.
The website requests the following things, including gift cards and new apparel (including cold weather clothing, underwear is a priority)
Athletic shoes, feminine hygiene products, reusable bags (such as duffel bags and luggage), backpacks, baby formula, blankets, children’s books in Spanish, new goods for hygiene kits (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo), and diapers.
Migrants tell me Texas Governor Abbott is known as “El Transportador” — “The Transporter.” They say they are very grateful for the help and free ride to be closer to family.
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) September 5, 2022
The bus we followed left Del Rio and arrived in Washington D.C. 39 hours and 9 stops later. pic.twitter.com/85cnOTnVKA
Along with Washington, D.C., Abbott included Chicago as a free travel option for migrants. and New York City to lessen pressure on border communities in Texas.
Abbott was charged by Lightfoot of handling the migrants like freight.
“He tries to send human beings, not cargo, not freight, but human beings across the country to an uncertain destination. He is manufacturing a human crisis and it makes no sense to me.”
I talked with Hector who prayed as soon as he got off the bus— He said he felts respected and provided for on the bus— contrary to a lot of claims… https://t.co/Lexq05cf1c
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) September 6, 2022
However, migrants who have traveled by Texas bus have reportedly told NewsNation reporter Ali Bradley that they were respected at every step of the way.
