Massive group of migrants traveling through Mexico as immigration officials process border entries, with some officials calling on President Joe Biden to provide additional assistance. President Biden heads to the Caribbean for vacation while cabinet officials meet with Mexico's president to discuss the crisis. Negotiations in Congress regarding border policy ongoing, while major cities across the US work to address the migrant influx without federal help.
A large group of migrants is currently making their way through Mexico, while immigration officials continue to process those who have already arrived at the US-Mexico border. Calls to President Joe Biden for additional assistance have been made by officials who feel their pleas have been ignored. As the crisis deepens, President Biden is heading south for a vacation in the Caribbean, while his top cabinet officials meet with Mexico's president to discuss the ongoing situation.
The US delegation, led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, traveled to Mexico City to address the pressing issue of illegal migration. Notably, none of the cabinet secretaries in the delegation visited the border to witness the crisis firsthand. The delegation met with Mexico's president at the National Palace, however, the specific details of their discussions have not been disclosed by State Department officials. One immediate priority for the Biden administration is urging Mexico to crack down on cartels involved in smuggling migrants across the southern border.
President Obrador of Mexico has repeatedly emphasized that he sees the border crisis as a US problem. While he has expressed a willingness to assist, he has also demanded that the US lift sanctions and provide additional aid money to Cuba and Venezuela in return for increased cooperation. Despite this, the US delegation remains optimistic about maintaining an orderly flow of migrants through collaborative efforts.
Recent statistics highlight the increasing challenges faced by border protection authorities. From Friday to Monday alone, over 35,000 migrants were encountered along the border, with close to a quarter-million migrants encountered throughout the month of December. However, negotiations in Congress over border policy have been complicated by discussions surrounding aid to Israel and Ukraine, leaving lawmakers far from reaching a consensus.
Meanwhile, mayors from major cities across the US are grappling with the growing migrant influx in their respective locations, despite the lack of federal assistance. Several Democratic mayors, including Mayor Eric Adams of New York City, have criticized the Biden administration for failing to respond to their requests for both financial and legislative support. In response, these mayors have formed a coalition, calling for a federal declaration of emergency, increased financial aid, and the development of a national resettlement strategy.
As temperatures drop, cities such as New York, Chicago, and Denver are facing additional challenges in providing resources and shelter for the increasing number of migrants being redirected their way. A flight carrying nearly 200 migrants bound for New York was diverted to Philadelphia due to inclement weather, prompting Mayor Adams to voice his concern over the treatment of migrants by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, whom he accused of using humans as political pawns. Similarly, Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago has implemented stricter penalties for those involved in bringing migrants into the city.
Governor Abbott's office responded by stating that Texas would continue to bus migrants to sanctuary cities until President Biden takes decisive action to secure the border. The cost of housing and feeding migrants in New York City alone is estimated to reach $12 billion over three fiscal years. With buses continuing to arrive in various cities nationwide, the strain on local economies remains a significant concern.
