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The
migrants arrived over the Labor Day weekend after traveling from
Texas.
Abbott has shipped migrants to Chicago, New York, and
Washington, D.C. in response to President Joe Biden's
immigration policies that have resulted in a surge of illegal
border crossings.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot held a press conference to discuss what was
happening and said her team still has not heard from Texas
officials.
"We have yet to hear from anybody in an official capacity from
Texas," Lightfoot said. "We are talking about human lives who
have gone through an incredible journey just to get to the
United States."
Lightfoot said she was upset about the situation but added that
anyone arriving in Chicago would be welcomed.
"We are a welcoming city. We are always going to step up and do
the right thing to make sure that migrants coming into our city
are well received and supported," Lightfoot said.
The mayor criticized Abbott and his decision to bus thousands of
illegal; immigrants out of state.
"Gov. Abbott's racist and xenophobic practices of expulsion have
only amplified the challenges many of these migrants have
experienced on their journey to find a safe place," Lightfoot
said. The governor's actions are not just inhumane. They are
unpatriotic."
Abbott defended the practice, saying Texas communities have been
overrun by illegal immigrants since Biden took office.
Chicago will help support the migrants, Lightfoot said, but will
need assistance from federal officials and generous citizens.
"Any assistance we can get from the federal government, the
state has stepped in, the county has been an awesome partner as
well," Lightfoot said. "We are asking all people of goodwill to
step up and help support us."
Andrew Hensel has years of experience as a reporter
and pre-game host for the Joliet Slammers, and as a producer for the
Windy City Bulls. A graduate of Iowa Wesleyan University and
Illinois Media School, Andrew lives in the south suburbs of Chicago.
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