Republican governors were criticized by New York City Mayor Eric Adams for transferring immigrants to the city.
However, it appears that the Democrat did precisely what he denounced.
What is the history?
Adams charged in September that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Texas Governor Greg Abbott had used immigrants as political pawns in a “stunt.” At that time, the governors were transporting migrants on buses to New York City, which takes pride in its sanctuary laws.
“I believe that this is a purely political act. And that’s what led to what is occurring in New York City, which is why I’m worried about it. I also think Republicans were responsible for it,” Adams said of the party. “This humanitarian crisis was a political gimmick, and it was caused by human hands.”
The mayor asserted the Republicans planned the “stunt” in order to “overshadow” their abortion-related legislation and the “proliferation of firearms.”
What action did Adams take?
Adams spent $50,000 in government funds to “resettle” 114 migrant households from April 2022 to April 2023, according to documents acquired by Politico.
Ironically, Florida and Texas were the migrants’ most popular destinations. Adams also sent people to South American countries including Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and Ecuador, as well as one family to China.
Adams’ office stood behind the resettlement plan by arguing that what New York is doing—i.e., moving migrants from one region to another—is distinct from what red states have been doing, which also involves moving migrants from one location to another.
Kate Smart, a spokeswoman for the mayor, said:
“The governor of Texas employed buses to New York City and sent asylum seekers, a majority of whom didn’t wish to come here, on lengthy treks without food, little drink, few toilet stops, or medical care.”
“New York City has tried to link people with relatives, friends, and connections either in New York City or elsewhere outside of it, as we have addressed in great detail publicly for months. We are not pressuring individuals to leave, advocating or endorsing any certain area, or offering any fictitious options.”
But there is no proof to support Smart’s assertions. Officials from New York City have charged Abbott of mistreating and demeaning migrants several times, but they have never provided substantial proof to back up their charges, and Abbott’s administration has consistently refuted all of them.
In fact, Andrew Mahaleris, a spokesman for Abbott, charged Adams with making “hypocritical charades.”
“More than three weeks ago, Mayor Adams declared that transporting refugees by bus is ‘morally bankrupt.’ Where is the indignation and condemnation from the Democratic Party and the White House over one of their own moving migrants outside of the city, out of the state, and even outside of the nation?” In a statement, Mahaleris stated. “Mayor Adams has to urge President Biden along with Congress to act and secure the southern border without the use of these hypocritical charades.”
Since last spring, about 80,000 refugees have entered New York City, straining the city’s shelter system. The city’s social assistance system already serves close to 50,000 migrants, and authorities have estimated that providing for them will cost billions of euros.
