The arrival of three buses carrying migrants from Texas in downtown Los Angeles on Friday marked the 17th, 18th, and 19th such arrivals since June. This continuous transportation of vulnerable lives with limited resources on multi-day bus journeys to Los Angeles puts them in jeopardy,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in a statement. She also emphasized the need for collaboration between the region, state, and federal government to address the issue.
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, on Twitter, confirmed the arrival of these three buses. The total number of asylum seekers from Texas on these buses amounts to 109 individuals. The migrants come from various countries including Colombia, El Salvador, Haiti, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, and Venezuela.
CHIRLA, a member of the L.A. Welcomes Collective, which comprises nonprofit organizations, faith groups, and city and county services, stated that one-third of all migrants arriving in Los Angeles by bus are children. They emphasized that California is an immigrant state and will continue to welcome and integrate migrants since they contribute positively to the state’s way of life.
The Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice, another member of the collective, expressed their resource limitations due to the lack of information about the buses’ arrival time. They condemned Governor Abbott’s actions and called them abhorrent and cruel, highlighting concerns about the migrants’ well-being during the 30-hour bus ride.
Jorge-Mario Cabrera, the communications director for CHIRLA, stated that since June, 35% of migrants arriving on buses from Texas are children. Cabrera also shared that some migrants were not aware that Los Angeles was not their final destination and had not eaten for three days before reaching the city.
The collective usually receives advance tips about bus arrivals, allowing them to prepare and respond accordingly. However, predicting the arrival time becomes difficult when buses are sent from different cities like Del Rio. Despite the late notice, the collective swiftly carried out their rapid response, ensuring the migrants were received with dignity and respect at the receiving site, St. Anthony’s Croatian Catholic Church in downtown Los Angeles.
Medical check-ups were conducted on the migrants, and fortunately, no one required serious medical attention. Though anxious, hungry, and exhausted, the migrants remained hopeful about the next phase of their journey, presenting their asylum claims. The collective pledged to support them with their basic needs until they are reunited with family or sponsors.
Cabrera expressed hope that the buses will cease operating altogether, as Governor Abbott’s disregard for the migrants’ health is apparent. However, given the political climate, he acknowledged that this may be unlikely.
Under Operation Lone Star, Texas Governor Abbott has been organizing these bus trips, citing overwhelming immigration in the state’s border region. Abbott emphasized the need for the enforcement of immigration laws by the president, urging him to address the situation.
Mayor Karen Bass has expressed concerns about the lack of information sharing from Abbott’s office regarding the shipments. She emphasized the need for coordination and notification from the government in Texas to ensure proper preparations can be made in Los Angeles. The City Council has already taken steps to establish Los Angeles as a sanctuary city and investigate potential crimes related to the shipments.
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