NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Mayor Eric Adams blasted Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday after he learned that the Republican plans to resume sending asylum-seekers to major cities run by Black mayors, like New York City.
"Not only is this behavior morally bankrupt and devoid of any concern for the well-being of asylum seekers, but it is also impossible to ignore the fact that Abbott is now targeting five cities run by Black mayors," Adams said in a statement. "Put plainly, Abbott is using this crisis to hurt Black-run cities."
Along with New York, the cities include Washington, D.C., Denver, Los Angeles and Chicago.
Outgoing Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot sent a letter to Abbott saying that her administration also learned the Republican governor would resume busing individuals and families to Chicago starting Monday.
"I am, yet again, appealing to your better nature and asking that you stop this inhumane and dangerous action," the Democrat wrote.
"Chicago is a Welcoming City and we collaborate with County, State, and community partners to rise to this challenge, but your lack of consideration or coordination in an attempt to cause chaos and score political points has resulted in a critical tipping point in our ability to receive individuals and families in a safe, orderly, and dignified way," she added.
In New York City, more than 57,000 migrants, largely from Latin America, have arrived since last spring, according to Politico. City Hall estimates that providing migrants with shelter, food and other assistance will cost New York more than $2.9 billion over the next year.
While Adams said Monday that the city "will continue to do all that it can to handle this influx," he argued that "this crisis is more than one city can handle," urging the federal government to help.
"With a vacuum of leadership from border states, we need the federal government to step in and provide us with support and to prevent this cruelty from continuing," he said.
The problem is set to worsen when the pandemic-era policy known as Title 42 expires next week.