Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's migrant busing program, which aimed to relocate migrants to sanctuary cities throughout the nation, has reportedly amassed less than 1% of its operating costs through private donations, despite initial boasts of significant public support. A review of state records revealed a stark discrepancy between the roughly $150 million spent on the initiative and the private funds raised, which tally up to around $550,000, according to CNN.
The operation, which Gov. Abbott's office claims has moved over 100,000 migrants to cities like New York City, Chicago, and Washington D.C., came with a transportation cost of about $1,500 per migrant -- a tab largely picked up by Texas taxpayers. Political Science expert Bob Stein, from Rice University, suggested that the majority of state taxpayers see this expenditure as "well spent" on public safety, despite the shortfall in private contributions. "If in fact, you can use state revenues, and executive authority, all under the name of public safety?" Stein questioned, as per CBS Austin.
However, the initiative has faced criticism for its humanity and efficacy. Sanctuary city mayors have pushed back against the program, creating regulations around the drop-off of migrants, as they grapple with providing resources to accommodate the influx. Furthermore, a tragic incident occurred when a 3-year-old migrant girl died en route to Chicago last year as part of the busing program, with another young child hospitalized the year before, as reported by CBS Austin.
Amidst this controversy, a few supporters have come forward to uphold their donations to the cause. Texas engineer Ronald Roche, who contributed $500 to the fund, said to CNN, "States have a right to protect themselves," expressing his backing for the governor's mission and his agreement with state resources being used for such purposes. Conversely, another purported donor, Hendrik Voss, an activist from Washington D.C., was shocked to find his name listed as a contributor. "I've never given a cent to Gov. Abbott’s dehumanizing and racist publicity stunts," Voss told CNN, contesting his alleged $2,000 donation and reaffirming his opposition by donating to a migrant support nonprofit in reaction.
