In an unprecedented move, the City Council of Los Angeles has unanimously approved a motion to investigate whether Texas Governor Greg Abbott committed any crimes when he sent 42 migrants on a grueling 23-hour bus ride to downtown L.A. in June. The motion calls on the City Attorney’s Office to initiate civil legal action against the state of Texas, Abbott, or any other entities involved in the planning and execution of the bus transfers to Union Station.
Introduced by council members Eunisses Hernandez, Nithya Raman, Monica Rodriguez, and Hugo Soto-Martínez, the motion received overwhelming support from the council, with a vote of 13-0. Notably, Councilman Curren Price and Hernandez were absent during the vote, but their absence did not impact the outcome.
Since the initial arrival of migrants on June 14, Texas has sent a total of 11 buses carrying 435 migrants to Los Angeles. The most recent bus, arriving just today, transported 35 asylum seekers from various countries, including Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, Russia, and Venezuela, as reported by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights.
Both Governor Abbott and Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, who has sent similar shipments of migrants to New York, have defended their actions. They argue that their states are overwhelmed by an influx of undocumented immigrants, with Abbott specifically mentioning the recent decision by the Los Angeles council to declare the city a “Sanctuary City.”
Expressing his disappointment with the actions of Abbott and DeSantis, Councilman Soto-Martínez described their behavior as a competition to promote racism rather than effectively govern. He also criticized Abbott for deliberately sending a bus of migrants, including children, to Los Angeles while the city was preparing for a severe tropical storm.
“The callous disregard for the lives of these families necessitates a thorough investigation into Governor Greg Abbott’s criminal actions,” Soto-Martínez stated passionately.
Additionally, the council approved a resolution, also by a vote of 13-0, calling upon Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, State Attorney General Rob Bonta, and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to launch investigations and provide reports on the matter. The resolution further urges county, state, and federal governments to support housing, placement, and necessary resources to ensure a humane reception for the migrants in Los Angeles.
Responding to the criticism, Governor Abbott defended his decisions by highlighting the overwhelming situation faced by Texas’ border towns due to the influx of undocumented immigrants. He also cited the city’s sanctuary status as a factor influencing migrants’ choice to come to Los Angeles. However, Councilman Kevin de León countered Abbott’s claims, emphasizing that Los Angeles has a long-standing commitment to welcoming and caring for immigrants. He attributed the current crisis to the lack of immigration reform in the United States for nearly four decades.
Councilwoman Imelda Padilla joined in condemning Abbott’s actions, describing them as nothing more than a “vile political spectacle.” She stressed the importance of treating all individuals, especially immigrant families and children fleeing injustices and threats to their lives, with dignity and humanity.
Expressing frustration with the lack of coordination, Councilwoman Karen Bass voiced concern about the sudden arrival of buses without advance notice or knowledge of the passengers’ conditions. She called for better communication and cooperation between Texas and Los Angeles to ensure the well-being of the migrants during their journey.
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