'Of course it is': Internet backs Texas Gov Greg Abbott as he calls NY Gov Eric Adams' invitation to stay at migrant shelter 'gimmick'

HOUSTON, TEXAS: Texas Governor Greg Abbott didn't hold back in criticizing New York City Mayor Eric Adams's recent invitation for him to stay at a migrant shelter during his visit to the city.

In an interview on Thursday, April 4, Abbott slammed the gesture as nothing more than a 'gimmick', sparking a war of words between the two political figures.

Governor Abbott's critique over invitation 

During an appearance on Fox News's 'Hannity', Governor Abbott voiced his disdain for Mayor Adams's invitation, stating, "The invitation is nothing more than a gimmick."

“And what I will suggest to the mayor of New York is there are people dying on his watch,” Abbott continued. “Law enforcement officers are being gunned down by people that have been arrested 20 times, and he needs to take charge and make sure they keep behind bars dangerous criminals who are killing his fellow New Yorkers.”

Abbott's remarks seemed to stem from recent incidents, including the killing of NYPD officer Jonathan Diller by a migrant suspect who had reportedly been arrested numerous times, highlighting what the governor sees as a failure in keeping dangerous criminals behind bars.

While responding to Abbott's scheduled visit to New York, Mayor Adams didn't mince words either. At a press conference on Thursday, he announced his intention to offer Abbott a stay in one of the city's Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers (HERRCs), inviting him to witness firsthand how migrants are being treated with dignity and respect.

“I’m going to offer him a stay in one of the HERRCs, so he can see what he has created and understand how we are treating people with the dignity and respect that he should have shown,” Adams said. “I’m not quite sure why he’s here and what he’s doing while here. But he’s going to see how you can manage the crisis with coordination."

Financial burdens of migrant programs

Adams's invitation comes amidst New York City's efforts to address the migrant crisis, including the distribution of prepaid debit cards to undocumented immigrants, part of a $53 million pilot program aimed at providing assistance to migrant families.

Additionally, New York City's government has projected spending at least $10.6 billion on migrant programs by summer 2025, with Governor Kathy Hochul proposing an additional $2.4 billion allocation for migrant services in the next budget cycle.

The clash between Abbott and Adams underscores broader tensions surrounding immigration policy and resource allocation, with New York City grappling with the influx of migrants while facing significant financial burdens.

Governor Abbott, for his part, has taken proactive measures, including busing asylum-seekers to New York and other cities, drawing attention to the challenges faced by border communities.

The discord between the two politicians reflects a larger national debate over immigration and border security, intensified by the Biden administration's policies and the surge in illegal crossings at the southern border.

With millions of migrants entering the country since President Biden took office, the issue has become a focal point for politicians on both sides of the aisle, The Hill reported.

Social media reacts to General Abbott's criticism 

Social media was abuzz with reactions after Abbott described Adams' invitation to stay at a migrant shelter as "nothing more than a gimmick."

"Of course it is. I hope Abbott keeps sending Texas trash to NYC," one posted on X.

"As if Texans have no experience with illegals in their midst," another offered.

"Adams is an idiot. Gov Abbott did not create the problem in NYC. Adams knows it was the Biden administration but is afraid to say it. Remember the FBI raided his Campaign Managers home. That put the fear of God into him," someone else added.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.