The city of Chicago is asking for volunteers and donations for migrants who are being bused to Illinois from Texas as illegal border crossings continue to remain at an all-time high.
The Associated Press reported the plea for help from the Windy City comes as only two buses arrived from Texas, totaling around 125 people who illegally crossed the U.S.-Mexico border and were then processed and released by Border Patrol. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D) "said the city had not yet heard from any Texas officials and urged Texas’ Republican governor, Greg Abbott, to collaborate on a more humane treatment of the immigrants."
The City of Chicago welcomed approximately 50 migrants bused to Chicago from Texas.
— Ryan Johnson (@Ryan_Johnson) September 4, 2022
We will always stand up for what is right, and we will unite to give these individuals and families the support they need. If anyone is looking for ways to help, visit https://t.co/pqPvinfLBW.
The website is asking for the following items:
- Gift cards
- New clothing (including cold weather clothing, underwear is a priority)
- Athletic shoes
- New hygiene kits items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo)
- Feminine hygiene products
- Diapers
- Reusable bags (eg. duffle bags and suitcases)
- Backpacks
- Baby formula
- Blankets
- Books for kids (Spanish)
- Strollers
Abbott added Chicago as a destination migrants can opt to go to for free in addition to Washington, D.C. and New York City to relieve stress on Texas border towns.
Lightfoot accused Abbott of treating the migrants like cargo.
"He tries to send human beings, not cargo, not freight, but human beings across the country to an uncertain destination. He is manufacturing a human crisis and it makes no sense to me."
But according to NewsNation Ali Bradley reporter, migrants who have taken Texas buses said they felt respected throughout the process.
Migrants tell me Texas Governor Abbott is known as “El Transportador” — “The Transporter.” They say they are very grateful for the help and free ride to be closer to family.
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) September 5, 2022
The bus we followed left Del Rio and arrived in Washington D.C. 39 hours and 9 stops later. pic.twitter.com/85cnOTnVKA
I talked with Hector who prayed as soon as he got off the bus— He said he felts respected and provided for on the bus— contrary to a lot of claims… https://t.co/Lexq05cf1c
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) September 6, 2022