New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued an executive order on Wednesday to crack down on charter bus companies transporting illegal immigrants from Texas.
In an effort to manage the influx of illegal immigrants being transported from the southern U.S. border to Democrat-run sanctuary cities, the order mandates that charter bus companies must notify the city’s Emergency Management Office at least 32 hours before arriving in the city.
Mayor Adams stresses orderly bus drop-offs
Drop-off hours are now restricted to a narrow window between 8:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. daily, with a sole designated location for drop-offs on West 41st Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues in Manhattan.
Mr. Adams emphasized the importance of these measures during a virtual press conference with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston.
He highlighted the risks of allowing buses to arrive without warning at any hour, jeopardizing the safety of those who have already suffered.
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Consequences for non-compliance to new regulations
Failure to comply with the new regulations could result in severe consequences, including class B misdemeanor charges, fines, lawsuits, and the impoundment of buses, according to Mr. Adams.
This move mirrors similar actions in Chicago, where legal proceedings have recently been initiated against charter bus companies.
Record arrival of illegal immigrants prompt swift action
Mr. Adams’ decision follows a record 14 buses filled with illegal immigrants arriving in the city from Texas in a single day last week.
The mayor disclosed that on Tuesday night, five buses carrying illegal immigrants arrived in New York City at around 1 a.m. from Philadelphia after a flight was diverted due to fog from El Paso, Texas.
Prioritizing safety and coordination amidst migrant surge
Mr. Adams clarified that his order aims to ensure the safety of migrants and coordinate their arrival in a more orderly manner rather than preventing them from coming to New York City.
City officials disclosed that over 161,000 asylum seekers have arrived in the five boroughs since the start of the crisis in the spring of 2022, with more than 68,000 remaining in city care as of Tuesday.
Democratic mayors’ renewed pleas for federal intervention
Mayor Adams, along with other Democratic mayors in a joint call, renewed their pleas for federal intervention.
They criticized Texas Governor Greg Abbott for sending over 80,000 migrants to Democratic-led cities across the country since last year.
A unified voice for federal action on immigration crisis
“I’m proud to be here with my fellow mayors to call on the federal government to do their part with one voice and to tell Texas Governor Abbott to stop the games and use of migrants as potential political pawns,” Mr. Adams said.
The coordinated efforts among mayors reflect a shared commitment to addressing the challenges of the immigration crisis while urging federal support.
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