Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a public emergency on the night of Thursday 8 due to the continuous arrival of migrant buses sent from Texas and Arizona by their respective Republican governors.
Previously, the district had requested assistance from the National Guard to help stop what it called a “growing humanitarian crisis” caused by the arrival of thousands of migrants, but the Pentagon rejected the request.
An estimated 9,400 people have been transported by bus to Washington from Texas and Arizona since April. The vast majority of people travel to final destinations outside of Washington.
In an emergency meeting on Thursday, Mayor Bowser said she was frustrated by the lack of response from the Biden administration. She pointed out that Washington, DC is not prepared to handle the arrival of so many migrants.
“This is an incredibly sad situation in which vulnerable humans, many of whom flee dire circumstances and seek a better life, are used as political pawns,” the mayor denounced in a message to Washington residents.
He also announced the creation of a Migrant Services Office, with the following framework:
- Meet all the passengers on those buses and facilitate the onward journey;
- Classify the needs of people arriving in Washington, DC and address their basic needs; Y
- Establish a system, distinct from the homeless service system, that is tailored to the needs of migrants.
“With this plan, we will remain true to our DC values and build a system that will support a compassionate, consistent and well-coordinated response,” he said.
He clarified that with a new Office of Migrant Services, “we can ensure that our homeless service system continues to work to support Washington residents and we can provide humane assistance to migrants.”
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