Illinois Governor Appeals to Texas for Halt on Migrant Transfers Amid Rising Numbers

Photo by@NBC 5 Chicago/dailymail.co

• Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker appeals to Texas Governor Greg Abbott to cease sending migrants to Chicago due to harsh winter conditions.
• Chicago has received a significantly higher number of asylum seekers than previously reported, now totaling 34,562.
• Abbott responds by stating migrant transport will stop only when the U.S. border is secured by President Biden.

In a recent development, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has urged Texas Governor Greg Abbott to halt the transportation of migrants to Chicago.

This plea arises amid the arrival of severe winter weather, with wind chills in Chicago plunging to minus 17 degrees. Pritzker's request follows new census data revealing Chicago's intake of 4,468 more asylum seekers than previously estimated, bringing the total to 34,562.

In a letter viewed by the Chicago Sun-Times, Pritzker emphasizes the danger posed by the cold weather to these vulnerable individuals. He criticizes Abbott's approach as life-threatening due to the harsh winter conditions. In response, Abbott's office asserts that the transportation of migrants will cease only when President Biden secures the border. The statement also mentions that Texas is preparing for similar severe weather and emphasizes the need for federal action to address border security.

The situation in Chicago reflects a broader challenge faced by various Democrat-led cities in handling the influx of asylum seekers. Cities like Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York are grappling with similar situations, with New York alone receiving over 120,000 asylum seekers. The Illinois government has allocated additional funds to support the resettlement of these migrants, including establishing temporary shelters and providing food in partnership with local organizations.

This scenario underscores the ongoing debate over immigration policies and border security in the U.S., particularly in the context of inter-state relations and the management of migrant influxes into sanctuary cities.

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