In an interview on "Face the Nation," House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the need for policy changes to address the immigration crisis at the U.S. border, citing national security concerns and humanitarian issues. He criticized the current administration's handling of the situation, advocating for the reinstatement of the "Remain in Mexico" policy and an end to "catch and release." Johnson argued that the White House's policy choices have exacerbated the crisis and that the administration's failure to enforce existing laws is a significant part of the problem. He also expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of increased funding without policy changes and highlighted the importance of legal immigration while distancing himself from former President Trump's more extreme rhetoric on the issue.
New York City has filed a lawsuit against 17 charter bus companies, seeking $708 million in damages for transporting over 33,600 asylum seekers from Texas to the city since 2022. The city alleges these companies acted in bad faith, causing a financial burden on local resources by dropping off migrants without compliance with new regulations. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called the lawsuit baseless, arguing that the migrants traveled voluntarily and that the city's actions may violate constitutional rights. The lawsuit cites a state law requiring those who bring needy persons into New York to support them or face legal consequences.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has filed a lawsuit against 17 bus companies for transporting over 30,000 migrants from Texas, as part of a plan by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, seeking $700 million in damages for the costs of caring for the migrants. The city argues this act violates state law by intentionally shifting the care costs to New York. The lawsuit is part of a broader strategy by Mayor Adams to manage the financial and logistical challenges posed by the arrival of more than 160,000 migrants, which has significantly impacted the city's budget and resources. Governor Kathy Hochul of New York supports the lawsuit, criticizing the use of migrants as political tools.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has filed a lawsuit against several charter bus companies for their role in transporting migrants to New York City as part of Texas Governor Greg Abbott's initiative. The city is seeking $708 million in damages for the costs incurred in caring for the migrants. The lawsuit alleges that the companies violated New York state law by bringing in individuals who become a public charge. Mayor Adams has also implemented an executive order to regulate the arrival of migrant buses, while Texas Governor Abbott defends the transportation as a relief for overwhelmed Texas border towns and criticizes the lawsuit as baseless.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas criticized Texas Governor Greg Abbott for his migrant bussing policy, calling it a "failure of governance" and accusing him of not cooperating with other local and state officials. This comes as Mayorkas faces impeachment hearings for his handling of the immigration crisis, with record-breaking border encounters and overwhelmed Democrat-led cities. Mayorkas emphasized unity in immigration policy and mentioned federal assistance to cities, while House Republicans prepare for the first impeachment hearing against him, accusing him of not enforcing immigration laws.
Senator Lindsey Graham has declared "America is full" in response to the ongoing migrant surge at the U.S. southern border, urging President Biden to take action to stem the flow. Graham suggests that the U.S. should deport individuals awaiting asylum hearings and has linked further Ukraine aid to immigration system reforms. He supports the reinstatement of Title 42 for immediate deportations and hints at mass deportations under a potential future Trump presidency. Meanwhile, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed a law allowing state law enforcement to arrest, detain, and deport migrants, a move that has been challenged by the Biden administration.
Texas has sent another plane of migrants to Rockford, IL, with the passengers then bused towards Chicago, a move criticized by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson as sowing "seeds of chaos." The migrants were transported without proper coordination with local governments, prompting Johnson to call for federal action and better intergovernmental cooperation. This incident is part of an ongoing dispute over Texas Governor Greg Abbott's strategy of relocating migrants to sanctuary cities, which has led to Chicago suing bus operators for uncoordinated drop-offs and has raised concerns about the safety and legality of the practice.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham declared the country "full" and advocated for the deportation of 1.7 million migrants to deter further immigration. He urged President Biden to reinstate Title 42, a WWII-era policy used to expel migrants during the Covid pandemic. Graham emphasized the need to address immigration before providing international aid and predicted mass deportations if Trump were reelected. Meanwhile, Democratic mayors from Chicago and Denver criticized Texas Governor Abbott for sending migrants to their cities without proper coordination, calling for a structured and humanitarian approach to the immigration crisis.
The Eagle Pass Fire Department in Texas is incurring an additional $21,000 daily due to migrant-related emergencies, with first responders attending to an average of 45 EMS calls a day, 30 of which are migrant-related. The city is absorbing these costs without federal reimbursement, leading to significant financial strain. The situation has also impacted local businesses and overwhelmed medical facilities, prompting calls for the federal government to address the surge in migrant crossings and the associated expenses.
A group of approximately 1,300 migrants has been moving through Chihuahua, Mexico, since Christmas Day, with a larger caravan of 6,000-8,000 people expected to follow. As they approach El Paso, Texas, some migrants are attempting to use the CBP One app to legally seek asylum but are crossing illegally due to appointment shortages. El Paso, previously a border crisis epicenter, is preparing for the influx with processing centers and shelters. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has met with Mexican officials to discuss the surge, and Mexico has increased migrant detentions, though enforcement efforts have shown inconsistencies.
A massive caravan of 6,000 migrants is making its way toward the US, with many aiming for El Paso, Texas. The group has been seen dangerously clinging to a train known as 'The Beast' through Mexico. This comes amid record-breaking migrant crossings at the US-Mexico border, with over 9,600 daily crossings reported in December. Local Mexican towns have been assisting the migrants on their journey, while US officials express concern over stretched resources and national security. The situation is intensifying as the numbers grow and border towns like Lukeville, Arizona, and Eagle Pass, Texas, also face unprecedented migrant influxes.
