Democratic Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney criticized Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for busing illegal migrants to the sanctuary city, during a press conference Wednesday.
There were 28 people that arrived on the bus Wednesday morning, only two of which plan to stay in the sanctuary city, according to the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management. For months, Abbott has been busing thousands of illegal migrants to Democrat-run sanctuary cities including Washington, D.C., Chicago and New York City to send a message to the Biden administration about the influx at the border. (RELATED: Federal Judge Rules In Favor Of Biden Admin Defense Of Trump-Era Border Policy)
“It is sad and outrageous that Gov. Abbott and his administration continue to implement their cruel and racist policies using immigrant families, including children, as pawns to shamelessly push their warped political agenda,” Kenney said during the presser.
“We aren’t going to play into sensationalism. We’ll remain focused as ever on welcoming and supporting anyone who wants to visit or live in our great city and we thank the partners in the media who have shown restraint and respect for the privacy of the travelers, especially the kids,” he added.
One child was transported to the hospital by Emergency Medical Services with a parent, but no other details were offered by city officials.
City officials in Philadelphia were preparing for months, but said they only learned of the first bus from Abbott’s press release just one day before.
“I guess they’re having fun and enjoying playing with people’s lives,” Kenney said.
“It’s bad enough for sending them, but, again, pick up the phone and just say, ‘This bus is leaving, this is how many people are on it and this is where we’re gonna drop them off at, where do you want us to drop them off at,'” he continued.
Credit: City of Philadelphia
Still, Kenney reminded the illegal migrants that they are “welcomed here,” he said.
“At it’s core, this is a humanitarian crisis that started in South and Central America and is being accelerated by political dynamics in our country.”
“It always amazes me that politicians, including the governor of Texas talks ad nauseum about Christian values, but displays very little if any,” Kenney said.
Abbott’s office didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
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