In an assertive critique of the current administration’s border management policies, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, has pledged to continue transferring migrants from Texas to sanctuary cities until a change in the presidency occurs. This declaration was made during his address at the New York Republican Party’s annual event in Manhattan, where he shed light on the motivations behind his notable busing initiative.
Abbott initially launched the busing program with the intention of sending migrants directly to Washington, D.C., aiming to draw President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’s focus to the challenges at the border. His approach was driven by the belief that if federal leaders would not engage with the border situation directly, he would bring the situation to their doorstep.
The program’s extension to New York City was a direct response to criticism from Mayor Eric Adams. Abbott emphasized that although the intention was not initially to target New York, the criticism led him to adopt a stance where he sought to match the accountability with the actions taken, thus starting the movement of migrants to New York City as well.
Since April 2022, over 107,000 migrants have been bused out of Texas as part of this initiative, highlighting Abbott’s resistance to what he perceives as insufficient federal action on border security. Abbott’s commitment to this cause reflects a broader call for a change in leadership towards a president who prioritizes strengthening U.S. border defenses.
While there has been speculation about Abbott’s potential involvement in the 2024 presidential race, possibly as a vice-presidential candidate alongside former President Donald Trump, Abbott has remained focused on critiquing the current border policies. He attributes the increase in border chaos and security risks to the dismantling of Trump-era immigration policies by the Biden administration, positioning Texas as bearing the brunt of these challenges.
Abbott particularly pointed out the record numbers of individuals on the terrorist watch list being apprehended at the border as evidence of the current policy failures. He countered President Biden’s assertion that Congress is needed to secure the border by arguing that the executive branch already has both the authority and obligation to prevent illegal entries into the United States, a duty he believes the current administration is neglecting.
