Officials from the Texas Division of Emergency Management have chartered a private plane to transport 91 migrants from Texas to Chicago, marking the first instance of such transportation by the state. The move has sparked controversy, with some viewing it as an escalation of efforts by Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott to undermine President Joe Biden's chances for reelection and create divisions among Democratic voters.

The flight arrived at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, carrying migrants who had crossed the southern border and requested asylum from economic collapse and political instability. Initially, Mayor Brandon Johnson's office informed WTTW News that 150 people were on board, but this figure was later revised.

The unexpected arrival of the plane prompted airport officials to contact the Chicago Police Department, as per a report shared with WTTW News. Investigations revealed that the flight originated in El Paso, Texas, and the plane's tail number was linked to the Texas Division of Emergency Management through records obtained from the police log.

Interestingly, two individuals identified as "handlers" managed to escape the plane and fled in an Uber before they could be questioned by the police.

Currently, the migrants are housed at O'Hare Airport, where approximately 300 individuals are residing. The Texas Division of Emergency Management declined to answer questions about the flight, redirecting inquiries to Governor Abbott's office, who had yet to comment on the matter.

Details regarding the expenses of the flight remain unclear, including whether it was funded by Texas state funds or federal funds designated for migrant care.

In addition to the plane, three buses paid for by Texas officials have already arrived in Chicago, and five more are expected to arrive on Wednesday. However, Chicago authorities have started cracking down on buses that fail to comply with city regulations, which require passengers to be dropped off at specific locations.

Recently, a bus was impounded on December 13 for operating without the necessary license to transport passengers, according to a statement from the Chicago Department of Law.

The influx of migrants in Chicago has been overwhelming, with nearly 14,100 individuals residing in city shelters. The strain on the city's social safety net has led to tensions among various communities, including Black, Latino, and Asian Chicagoans.

Since August 2022, a staggering 607 buses have arrived in Chicago, carrying close to 26,100 people, most of whom fled economic collapse and political turmoil in Central and South America, according to data from city authorities.

Overall, the chartering of a private plane and the ongoing influx of migrants from Texas is likely to fuel further debate on immigration policies, funding allocations, and the ability of cities to handle such significant numbers of individuals in need.