Texas Governor Shuts Down Contentious Migrant Busing Initiative

Texas Governor Greg Abbott declares victory as migrant busing program ends due to lack of migrants to transport.

At a Glance

Abbott’s migrant busing policy halted after transporting over 120,000 migrants since April 2022
Program cost Texas taxpayers approximately $150 million
Abbott credits his border security measures for the decline in border crossings
Critics argue the program was politically motivated rather than humanitarian

Abbott Declares Victory as Migrant Busing Program Ends

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the end of his controversial migrant busing program, citing a lack of migrants to transport. The program, which began in April 2022, involved sending migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border to Democratic-led cities across the country. Abbott’s office reports that over 120,000 migrants were bused to these cities during the program’s duration.

The governor attributes the decline in border crossings to his administration’s robust border security measures, including the installation of razor wire and river buoys. These efforts, according to Abbott, have been more effective in securing the border than federal initiatives.

When Joe Biden and Kamala Harris refused to visit Texas to see the border crisis they created, I took the border to them.

Texas has bused over 119,700 illegal immigrants to sanctuary cities across the country.

We will keep those buses rolling until the border is finally secure. pic.twitter.com/G9yXBsntPd

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 18, 2024

Costs and Controversies

The migrant busing program has not been without its critics or costs. Texas has spent approximately $150 million on the initiative, primarily funded by taxpayers. This expenditure represents less than half of one percent of Texas’ $321 billion two-year state budget but has still raised eyebrows among fiscal conservatives.

“It certainly is a great deal of money to be spent,” Ray Perryman, the president of the Waco-based economic research company The Perryman Group, said. “I think the question is, ‘Should it be done?'”

The program has also faced legal challenges. New York City Mayor Eric Adams filed a lawsuit seeking over $700 million from transport companies involved in the busing program, highlighting the strain placed on destination cities’ resources.

Impact and Responses

Abbott’s supporters argue that the program successfully brought national attention to the immigration issue and pressured the federal government to take action. James Wesolek, an official at the Republican Party of Texas, told Newsweek, “Biden’s EO [executive order] authorized over 2,500 illegal border crossings a week. Governor Abbott’s unceasing efforts to secure the border, including razor wire, river buoys, and their subsequent legal battles, is what secured the border.”

Critics, however, maintain that the program was politically motivated rather than humanitarian. The Val Verde Border Humanitarian Coalition initially partnered with the state but ended the collaboration due to safety concerns. Other states, including Florida and Arizona, have implemented similar busing programs, while some receiving states have requested federal aid to manage the influx of migrants.

As the migrant busing program comes to an end, its long-term impact on immigration policy and border security remains to be seen. What is clear is that the issue of immigration continues to be a contentious and complex challenge for both state and federal governments.