"Chicago becomes latest stop for migrants bused from Texas by Gov.
Abbott. Mayor Lightfoot spokesman says new arrivals are welcome
2022/08/31
CHICAGO — Approximately 60 migrants coming from Texas were dropped off
at Chicago’s Union Station on Wednesday night, officials said.
Ryan Johnson, a representative for Mayor Lori Lightfoot, confirmed the information.
“Today, the City of Chicago received confirmation that approximately 60 migrants were traveling to Chicago by way of Texas,” Johnson said in a
tweet.
“Chicago is a welcoming city and as such has collaborated across various departments and agencies to ensure we greeted them with dignity and
respect. We understand that many are fleeing violent, traumatic, or
otherwise unstable environments,” Johnson said.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced the arrival of the “first group” of migrants bused to Chicago in a separate statement Wednesday night.
Abbott’s statement said that in addition to Washington, D.C., and New
York City, Chicago will now be a drop-off location for the busing
strategy as part of his response to President Joe Biden’s policies he
says are overwhelming Texas' border communities.
“We will respond with essential services while these individuals
navigate the next steps of their journey and our community partners have
been working diligently to provide a safety net,” Johnson said.
“As a city, we are doing everything we can to ensure these immigrants
and their families can receive shelter, food, and most importantly
protection. This is not new; Chicago welcomes hundreds of migrants every
year to our city and provides much-needed assistance,” Johnson said.
“Unfortunately, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is without any shame or
humanity,” Johnson said. “But ever since he put these racist practices
of expulsion in place, we have been working with our community partners
to ready the city to receive these individuals.
“We know that racism, discrimination, and human cruelty have played a
pivotal role in how immigrants are received within our borders, and we
are still working to recover from the previous presidential
administration, which encouraged this behavior,” Johnson said.
“This is such an important moment for Chicago as a city has been a
sanctuary for thousands of newcomers,” Johnson said. “We are welcoming
them and we will not turn our backs on those who need our help the most.” [snip]
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TB
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