In a significant escalation of Governor Greg Abbott's controversial bussing operation, Texas has sent a plane carrying more than 120 individuals who crossed the US-Mexico border to Chicago. This comes as part of Abbott's ongoing mission, known as Operation Lone Star, which has already sent over 80,000 people to Democratic-led cities across the country since last year.

The first flight, departing from El Paso and arriving in Chicago on Tuesday, was organized just a week after the city council of Chicago took action to address the influx of migrant buses. These buses have faced criticism from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, leading to stricter penalties for bus operators who attempt to drop off individuals in neighboring cities to avoid fines, towing, or impoundment.

The decision to send migrants via flights was a response to the actions taken by Mayor Johnson, with Abbott's spokesperson, Andrew Mahaleris, stating that the flights were in direct response to Chicago's targeting of migrant buses from Texas.

It is worth noting that the timing of the flight coincided with Governor Abbott signing a new law in Texas, allowing the arrest of individuals who illegally cross the border, challenging the federal government's authority over immigration.

In response to the flight, the White House criticized Abbott's actions, accusing him of politicizing the situation and showing a lack of regard for human beings. White House spokesperson, Angelo Fernández Hernández, stated that Abbott's latest political stunt adds to his tally of extreme policies that seek to demonize and dehumanize people.

According to the governor's office, more than 23,000 individuals have been sent to Chicago on buses as part of Operation Lone Star. The operation has not been limited to bussing migrants but has also involved measures such as stringing razor wire along the border and deploying additional officers.

In a separate development, a federal appeals court ordered the temporary halt of cutting concertina wire on the border, while a legal challenge against the Biden administration plays out.

The border situation has become an even more contentious political issue as Republican senators continue to use it as leverage in holding up a funding deal for Ukraine in response to the Russian invasion. However, negotiations between senators and the White House are progressing, and a bipartisan border security and immigration deal is starting to take shape. The discussions have focused on toughening asylum protocols, strengthening border enforcement with more personnel and hi-tech systems, and deterring individuals from attempting the journey in the first place.

Although Congress is currently on holiday recess and not due back until January 8, Senate leaders Chuck Schumer (Democrat) and Mitch McConnell (Republican) released a joint statement highlighting the progress of negotiations on border security and immigration issues.

The situation at the US-Mexico border continues to dominate headlines and stir political debates as both sides seek to find a resolution to the ongoing crisis.