Bus transporting 50 migrants from Texas border towns expected to arrive in Philadelphia

A bus transporting just over 50 migrants is expected to arrive in Philadelphia from Texas on Monday, the Philadelphia mayor’s office confirmed on Friday night. The bus is expected to leave Del Rio, Texas, on Saturday.

Philadelphia officials said that their Texas counterparts failed to contact them ahead of busing the 50 to 52 individuals who are reportedly seeking asylum. The mayor’s office said they learned about the migrants’ arrival from a community partner.

They said the decision made by Texas officials not to inform them about the bus was “disappointing and irresponsible.”

The mayor’s office in Philadelphia confirmed that they have been planning for migrant arrivals from the southern states since summer. They also confirmed that agencies have been meeting and liaising with several local community-based organizations and partners to ensure they are ready for the immediate reception of migrants and that, shelter space, emergency health screening, food, water and several other provisions are in place.

The mayor’s office released a statement saying “We are a proud welcoming city and strongly believe that all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Our diversity is our strength.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently defended the bussing of migrants, saying that it was done to ease the pressure on places such as Del Rio, which he said is currently overwhelmed with migrants.

“We’re talking about all the people who were being dropped off in their communities,” Abbott said. “They had no capability of dealing with whatsoever. Thousands of people in small towns of just ten or 25,000 people themselves.”