The Mayor of Washington, DC Muriel Bowser, declared a public emergency on Thursday because of the arrival of thousands of immigrants entering the nation's capital by bus from Arizona and Texas. They were sent by the governors of both states as a sign of protest against the immigration policies of the Biden Administration.
Before Texas Governor Gregg Abbott and Arizona Governor Doug Ducey began sending illegal immigrants to the so-called 'sanctuary cities' of New York, Washington and Chicago, Mayor Muriel Bowser defended an open policy for illegal immigrants. However, she was now overwhelmed by the situation to the point that she requested twice in August the activation of the National Guard (the requests were denied by the Pentagon) in order to control the situation.
The emergency declaration allows Bowser and her Administration more power and flexibility. Officials will be able to mobilize people and resources more quickly and seek federal financial assistance. The mayor stressed that she will send emergency legislation to the Washington Council to codify a new office.
Immigrant Services Office
Muriel Bowser announced that $10 million will be used to establish an immigrant services office to provide support and services. It will be integrated into the Department of Human Services and will provide support and services to non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
"We are implementing a framework that would allow us to have a coordinated response with our partners," said Bowser, a Democratic mayor. "This will include a program to receive all busesAnd given that most people will move on, our main focus is to make sure we have a humane, efficient and welcoming process that allows people to move on to their final destination," said Bowser.
Greg Abbott
Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated that he will continue to transport immigrants until the president secures the border. And he invited Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and Mayor Adams to the Texas border in order to show them the immigration crisis "firsthand". However, both officials have failed to show up in the Lone Star State.
According to CNN, the Texas governor's office has so far sent more than 7,900 immigrants on more than 190 buses to Washington, D.C., more than 2,200 immigrants on more than 40 buses to New York City, and more than 300 immigrants on more than five buses to Chicago.
