In an interview with ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday, it was highlighted by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker that migrant drop-offs from the southern border are disproportionately affecting Democrat-run cities.
Pritzker expressed frustration with the federal response to the influx of migrants, emphasizing the challenges faced by Illinois, where hundreds of migrants arrive daily from Texas.
Despite severe weather conditions, the state lacks sufficient shelter space for the arriving migrants, presenting a pressing issue. This situation arises in the context of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s “Operation Lone Star,” targeting Democrat-run cities that declared themselves “sanctuary cities” in response to former President Donald Trump’s border policies.
The pledge not to cooperate with federal immigration authorities has been made by “sanctuary cities.”
Sending people could occur in many other cities, but he has specifically chosen Democratic states and cities. Despite our requests to halt due to the severe winter storm conditions, he has declined to stop sending them,” remarked Pritzker.
“His disregard extends to the well-being of the migrants, showing a lack of concern for their potential suffering in the Upper Midwest, particularly under the current harsh winter conditions.
A letter was sent by Abbott to America’s governors last year, seeking assistance and personnel to manage the border crisis.
“In the absence of federal government involvement, Governors must unite to address President Biden’s ongoing border crisis and secure the safety and security that all Americans deserve,” emphasized Abbott in his letter.
In August, Texas reported that support had been offered by 14 governors from Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has emphasized the necessity of federal assistance to manage the expanding migrant population in Chicago.
Describing the situation as “unsustainable,” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has expressed concerns.
Currently, $160 million of taxpayer funds have been designated by Illinois for programs related to non-citizens, and Pritzker has appealed to state legislators for support to cover this amount.
Texas has reported expenditures exceeding $4.5 billion on the migrant crisis since 2021.
“We require action from Congress. Currently, there are discussions about comprehensive immigration reform and border security, and this issue can be addressed promptly.
A vote on this matter can ensure effective resolution,” stated Pritzker on Sunday. “Democrats have been advocating for immigration reform for decades, while Republicans have consistently resisted. Finally, there is some dialogue, and my hope is that tangible progress will be made. However, it’s evident that insufficient steps have been taken, and both the president and Congress need to do more.”
The chances of a bill, proposed by the Democrat majority Senate, which includes an immigration deal while reducing aid to Ukraine and Israel, passing the Republican House are deemed minimal.
The Senate version aims to limit Republican initiatives concerning asylum laws, parole policies, and the White House’s authority to expel migrants or close the border during surges in migration, as reported by CNN.
The House version of the immigration bill would mandate the renewal of construction on the Mexican border wall by the Department of Homeland Security. It seeks to enhance penalties for migrants overstaying their visas, raise eligibility standards for asylum, and grant additional authority to DHS for turning away migrants at the border. Representative Mark Alford (R-Missouri) emphasized, “We will accept nothing less than securing the border.”
