Mayor Johnson Calls Governor Abbott 'Reckless' for Migrant Buses

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) had choice words for Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) in response to migrant bus arrivals in Illinois. Mayor Johnson denounced Governor Abbott’s “reckless” decision to send migrant buses around the country, calling the move “dangerous.”

During an interview with CNN This Morning, Mayor Johnson was asked about Governor Abbott’s decision to direct migrant buses to blue states, which is something that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has also done.

“What Governor Abbott is doing, quite frankly, is reckless,” Mayor Johnson warned.

“I had a delegation to actually go to the border and see firsthand the challenges that our bordering states and bordering cities are experiencing right now. And what I’ve called for repeatedly is, again, is a coordinated approach between state and local municipalities so that we can address this crisis. As far as what the federal government is doing… I’ve said repeatedly that we need more resources,” Mayor Johnson continued.

In speaking about Governor Abbott’s decision to send migrant buses to Illinois, Mayor Johnson commented that “in no way what the state of Texas is doing is helping the cause.”

“We recognize that there are challenges -significant challenges – at the border, and we do need real substantive immigration reform and policies that allow us to have a structure in the pathway to citizenship, but again, sending buses all over the state of Illinois and all over the country is reckless and quite frankly is dangerous,” he added.

The decision to send migrant buses to Chicago drew a swift response from the White House, calling it the "latest political stunt." However, Governor Abbott's spokesperson, Andrew Mahaleris, instead argued that the White House should be more proactive in addressing illegal immigration concerns.

"Until President Biden steps up and does his job to secure the border, Texas will continue taking historic action to help our local partners respond to this Biden-made crisis," Mahaleris said.