Opinion: Mayor Johnsons unhinged doubling down on criticism of Gov. Abbott over Bidens border crisis

Chicago Mayor Brandon JohnsonPhoto byFacebook

[ U.S Politics] Chicago’s Democrat Mayor, Brandon Johnson, has not held back in his criticism of Texas Governor Greg Abbott over the bussing of immigrants to sanctuary cities like Chicago.

This heated political dispute shows no signs of cooling down, with Johnson ramping up his attacks against Abbott's tactics in a press conference.

Johnson who is facing increased scrutiny of his handling of the influx of immigrants into Chicago after a 5-year-old boy died in a shelter, and reports of chicken pox spreading throughout immigrant locations, Johnson had this to say:

The issue is not just how we respond in the city of Chicago. It's the fact that we have a governor, a governor, an elected official in the state of Texas that is placing families on buses without shoes, cold, wet, tired, hungry, afraid, traumatized. Brandon Johnson via X

The migrant crisis at the US-Mexico border is a humanitarian and political tinderbox, and unsurprisingly, fingers are being pointed in all directions. Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has become a frequent target, accused of using migrants as pawns in a political game.

Early on President Biden promised a more humane approach to immigration, which many interpreted as an open invitation. Mixed messaging around Title 42 expulsion authority, coupled with the dismantling of Trump-era policies like the "Remain in Mexico" program.

These reversals may have created a perception that the border was open, and subsequently fueling an unprecedented surge in migrants seeking a better life in the US.

“Four years ago, the United States had the fewest illegal border crossings in decades. It was because of four policies put in place by the Trump Administration that led to such a low number of illegal crossings. President Biden has eliminated all of those policies and done nothing to halt illegal immigration” said Governor Abbott in a press release.

Abbott has enacted strategies and legislation at the state level to curb illegal border crossings. Announced this week, Senate Bill 4 makes it a criminal offense for illegal entry into Texas from a foreign nation. Other actions have included constructing miles of concertina wire, anti-climb barrier panels, and deployment of new surveillance vehicles that will help going after gotaways.

In the video clip posted on X, Mayor Brandon Johnson says "the governor of Texas needs to take a look in the mirror of the chaos that he is causing for this country. This is not just a Chicago dynamic. He is attacking our country".

Johnsons focus solely on Abbott only creates noise around the larger picture. The Biden administration's policies and failure to enforce current immigration laws have demonstrably contributed to the surge in border crossings and its impact on sanctuary cities like Chicago.

Over 10 million illegal immigrants have crossed the border since Biden was inaugurated. When will Mayor Brandon Johnson criticize President Joe Biden as well?