A coalition of liberal mayors, including Eric Adams of New York City, Brandon Johnson of Chicago, and Mike Johnston of Denver, held a virtual press conference on Tuesday to demand immediate action from the federal government to address the ongoing migrant crisis affecting their cities. With a growing number of migrants arriving and limited capacity to provide shelter, the mayors called for a federal declaration of emergency, financial support, and a national resettlement strategy.

As temperatures drop in New York City, Chicago, Denver, and other impacted cities, Mayor Adams emphasized the urgency of the situation. "We are calling for the federal declaration of emergency, financial support, and a national resettlement strategy," he stated during the conference. Mayor Johnson echoed Adams' concerns, stating that their cities have reached a critical point where they are either at full capacity or close to running out of space to accommodate further arrivals. He stressed that without substantial intervention from the federal government, their mission to address the crisis would not be sustained.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston brought attention to the significant financial burden that the migrant crisis has placed on his city. He revealed that Denver is facing potential costs of up to $160 million in next year's budget, amounting to nearly 10% of the entire city budget. Mayor Johnston stressed the need for expedited work permits for migrants, highlighting the fact that court dates for many are scheduled as late as 2027, leaving them unable to work and further exacerbating their financial situation.

This coalition of mayors has previously called for an additional $5 billion in help from the federal government. However, the White House's request for approximately $1.4 billion to aid communities across the country is currently being held up in Congress due to calls for more asylum limits from Republican lawmakers.

The mayors have been vocal in their criticism of the administration's handling of the crisis. Mayor Adams, in particular, has been grappling with the severe impact of the influx of migrants on New York City. He has been forced to make budget cuts in areas such as education and policing to cope with the costs, warning that the crisis could potentially "destroy" the city. Since last year, New York City has received over 160,000 migrants.

In their defense, the administration has pointed out the steps it has taken to assist affected communities. These include over $1 billion in grant funding and efforts to expedite work permits and asylum requests for migrants. The spokesperson for the White House emphasized that President Biden is committed to addressing the issue, as seen in the supplemental funding request submitted to Congress. This request includes additional resources for border security, more law enforcement, grant funding for jurisdictions hosting migrants, and funding to expedite work permit processing for eligible non-citizens.

The mayors also criticized Texas Governor Greg Abbott for transporting tens of thousands of migrants to their cities since last year. Mayor Adams issued a new executive order restricting bus transportation to certain times and requiring prior notice. However, Governor Abbott defended his actions, stating that he is transporting migrants to cities that proclaim themselves as "sanctuaries" to alleviate the strain on the border communities. In recent days, he has even begun flying migrants to Chicago and New York City.

The clash between the mayors and Governor Abbott underscores the complexities and political tensions surrounding the migrant crisis. As the situation continues to unfold, mayors across the nation are increasingly pressuring the federal government for immediate and comprehensive action to address the overwhelming challenges they face.