Forty-two migrants were bussed from Texas to Union Station in Los Angeles Wednesday at the direction of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. The migrants received no food during their 23-hour bus ride, according to Jorge-Mario Cabrera, director of communications for immigrant rights group Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights-Los Angeles.
CHIRLA escorted the migrants from the station to a local church where they were fed and aquainted with attorneys.
“They were essentially dehumanized” by Texas authorities, L.A. Council Member Eunisses Hernandez told the Los Angeles Times. “They were used by a weak politician as a political stunt.”
“It is abhorrent that an American elected official is using human beings as pawns in his cheap political games,” said L.A. Mayor Karen Bass.
L.A. officials say some of the migrants had infants and toddlers with them. At least one is awaiting a court hearing in New York.
Gov. Abbott defended his actions and blamed President Joe Biden for ‘refusing’ to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. He also pointed the finger at L.A.’s sanctuary status, clearly mocking an ordinance that was approved by the L.A. City Council last week.
Abbott isn't the only red state governor shipping migrants off to the Golden State. Earlier this month, Florida flew three dozen asylum seekers to Sacramento. Although Florida officials say they went willingly, California authorities say they were deceived.
Read more at ABC News.