In a stark appeal to President Biden, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (R) has sounded the alarm, cautioning that the entire country is now at risk unless significant assistance is provided to combat the escalating migrant crisis engulfing the city.
Mayor Johnson, known for his progressive stance, underscored the imperative for a unified strategy coupled with substantial financial aid from the federal government to effectively handle the surge of migrants, as reported by Fox News on Wednesday.
Speaking passionately on CNN, Mayor Johnson stressed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the dire need for tangible and considerable investments from the federal government. He argued that, without such support, not only Chicago but the entire nation would falter in managing the migrant crisis effectively.
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The mayor’s apprehensions stem from the substantial impact the influx of migrants has had on Chicago, with over 20,000 migrants reportedly arriving in the city since August 2022, according to Fox32 Chicago.
“What I have worked to do instead of having chaos is provide some structure and calm around the situation and, without significant federal support, this is not sustainable,” Mayor Johnson declared. “I’ve said repeatedly we need more resources,” he added.
“Without real significant investment from our federal government, it won’t just be the city of Chicago that won’t be able to maintain this mission; it’s the entire country that is now at stake,” Johnson emphasized.
The mayor highlighted the necessity for collaboration among leaders within his state and across the nation to effectively address the challenges posed by the surge in migrants. He laid blame on Texas Governor Greg Abbott, condemning his actions as reckless and dangerous.
Governor Abbott has been dispatching buses of migrants to sanctuary cities and states, including Chicago, since last year, aiming to spotlight the impact of illegal immigration on border towns in Texas.
In response, Chicago enacted an ordinance imposing penalties for buses dropping off migrants without a permit, and the mayor filed numerous lawsuits against companies transporting migrants.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Governor Abbott recently implemented a new approach by flying migrants into Chicago. Mayor Johnson criticized this move, asserting that Abbott’s actions were counterproductive to addressing the migrant crisis, and he urged for a more coordinated and supportive response from the federal government.
“In no way is what the state of Texas is doing helping the cause,” Mayor Johnson told CNN. The call for federal assistance grows more urgent as the migrant crisis, with its profound national implications, continues to unfold in the heart of Chicago.
