For the past few weeks Gov. Greg Abbott has been transporting migrants from the Mexican border to Washington, D.C. His office even sends out news releases announcing each bus’ arrival at our nation’s capital. Abbott justified the move by saying that the accumulation of refugees seeking entry to this country is the result of bad federal policy, and thus the federal government can deal with them.
This is just one of several actions the governor has taken to further the anti-immigrant and anti-trade agenda of former President Donald Trump. As a border governor who obviously has seen the benefits of immigration and cross-border trade, it’s fair to ask: Are his actions more about setting up a presidential bid under the guise of border security?
Abbott has long taken advantage of our state’s position on the border to court favor from Trump, who made several visits to the Rio Grande Valley at Abbott’s invitation to advocate for a border wall and stronger immigration controls. After Trump’s defeat in the 2020 election, Abbott took up the border-security mantle, pledging to finish the wall and keep illegal entrants, drugs and other contraband out of this country.
Could the governor be positioning himself to be the next Trump — perhaps even his running mate if Trump decides to run again in 2024? It’s generally assumed that former Vice President Mike Pence won’t be on the ticket; Trump has criticized Pence heavily since he distanced himself from his former boss in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
If so, the bus trips actually could help him win favor from both sides of the political aisle, as it actually has turned out to be a good thing, notwithstanding its heavy drain on Texas taxpayers.
Busing migrants, mostly refugees, to Washington after they had been processed and released by federal immigration officials is just one activity Abbott began last month. He drew howls of protests after he ordered state troopers to stop and inspect every commercial truck coming from Mexico, even after they had passed through the federal screening process. the lengthy state inspections have cost the Texas and U.S. economy billions in economic losses as produce has rotted in the hot sun awaiting inspection, and led to food shortages and price increases for Texas families.
Interestingly, opposition to the migrant buses died quickly. Because the migrants already had been processed and released by federal officials, forcefully detaining them and busing them across state lines was tantamount to kidnapping. This forced Abbott’s office to issue a clarification, saying that the trips were voluntary.
But volunteer they did. Migrants have welcomed the free ride to Washington, where they have been met with staff from many immigration and civil rights organizations that have offices at the capital. Those trained workers are helping to connect the immigrants with family members and sponsors, and inform them of how they can best work toward acquiring permanent legal residency.
If the stunt actually is a means to a political end, and if it succeeds, we can only hope that he uses a national position to work toward real, humane immigration reform.
