Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright on Wednesday reiterated the mayor's criticism of Texas officials for ignoring an executive order to give notice before buses of migrants are dropped off in New York City.
Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday accused Texas Gov. Greg Abbott of intentionally causing chaos by having buses unload migrants at nearby transit hubs in New Jersey.
On Wednesday, Wright appeared on “Mornings On 1” said the city had previously been informed about bus destinations and passenger numbers. However, that changed when Abbott announced in November that an additional 25,000 people would be sent to New York City.
Since then, information on bus arrivals and occupants has not been given to city officials.
"The purpose and intent was to make it more difficult. So, the executive order that was put in place said, 'you have to continue to give us information and let people off during reasonable hours,' " Wright said.
Anticipating Abbott's defiance, the Adams administration had warned neighboring municipalities about buses arriving in parts of New Jersey, Westchester County and surrounding areas.
Now, the city is working on cracking down on the bus companies that participate in the transportation of migrants from Texas to New York City.
“We knew that [Abbott] would violate the order, and now we will have enforcement, and we want other localities to join us and do the same,” Wright said.
She noted the city is still ready to help those who arrive, noting that almost 170,000 people have arrived in the city since last summer, with about 60% moving on from the city's care and 25,000 receiving assistance in applying for work authorization and asylum.