The Democratic mayors of Chicago, New York City, and Denver recently expressed serious concerns over the escalating migrant crisis in their cities. In a joint virtual news conference, they warned of reaching a "breaking point" and called for federal intervention.
In a unified plea for help, these city leaders highlighted the unsustainable influx of migrants bussed from the southern border, placing immense strain on local resources and services.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the urgent situation. He noted that the constant arrival of buses carrying migrants at all hours has become unmanageable for the city.
Adams revealed that New York City had so far managed to prevent the crisis from being visible on the streets. But, he admitted, this is no longer possible due to the overwhelming number of arrivals.
In the last two weeks alone, over 7,000 migrants have entered New York City's intake system. The total number since spring has reached a staggering 157,600.
As a response to the unpredictable arrival of migrants, Mayor Adams issued an executive order. It mandates a 32-hour notice from charter bus companies before dropping off migrants in the city.
Chicago's Mayor Lori Lightfoot mirrored these concerns. She described the city services as being at a "critical point." She emphasized that the current infrastructure was not designed to cope with such a crisis.
Denver Mayor Michael Johnston highlighted Denver's unique predicament. He stated that Denver has received a higher number of migrants per capita than any other city in the U.S.
The mayors have attributed the crisis largely to Texas Governor Greg Abbott's policy of bussing migrants from the border. This has been a contentious point, with the mayors describing the situation as a "humanitarian crisis."
They have called for federal assistance to cope with the influx. This plea underscores the need for a coordinated response to the migration challenges.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot of Chicago expressed the critical nature of the situation. "We have reached a critical point in this mission that absent real, significant intervention immediately, our local economies are not designed and built to respond to this type of crisis," she stated.
Denver Mayor Johnston remarked on Denver's disproportionate burden. "We, at this point now, have had more migrant arrivals in our city than any city in America per capita," he noted, highlighting the city's extraordinary challenge.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, in May 2023, had asserted, "Our borders are not open." This statement seems at odds with the experiences of the cities grappling with the current migrant surge.
Despite this, the influx of migrants continues to strain city resources. The mayors' plea for federal assistance reflects the complexity of the issue and the urgent need for a comprehensive approach.
In conclusion, the mayors' call for federal help underscores the severity of the migrant crisis affecting their cities. It is a situation that has evolved rapidly over the past months, reaching a critical juncture where local resources are no longer sufficient.
