Texas Stops Migrant Buses to Democratic Cities

The Texas state-funded bus program, initiated by Governor Greg Abbott to transport migrants who crossed the southern border illegally to various U.S. cities, has seen significant operational changes over the past year. The service to Washington, D.C., and Vice President Kamala Harris's residence was suspended ten months ago, while routes to Philadelphia and Los Angeles ceased in late 2023. Other routes, including those to New York City, Denver, and Chicago, were halted in June, leading to speculation about the program's future as officials monitor immigration trends. Brendan Steinhauser, a Texas GOP consultant, suggests that Abbott should reaffirm the program's objectives, which began in April 2022. Abbott's initiative aimed to send migrants to the nation's capital, emphasizing the need for the Biden administration to address border issues directly. The program expanded to include additional destinations throughout 2022 and 2023, with nearly 7,000 migrants boarding buses each month during the summer of 2023. Despite the operational pause, Abbott's rhetoric has remained assertive, particularly following a lawsuit from New York City Mayor Eric Adams aimed at blocking the bus operations. The New York Supreme Court dismissed Adams' lawsuit in late July, yet the busing has not resumed. As of early 2024, approximately 25,000 migrants were transported to remaining cities, but the future of the program remains uncertain amid ongoing legal and political challenges.