Chicago mayor claims Greg Abbott’s bussing of illegal immigrants to sanctuary cities is an attack on ‘leaders of color’

MSNBC host Al Sharpton complained to Johnson about the ongoing crisis of illegal immigration and its effect on cities, arguing that it "puts a tremendous burden on [Johnson] and other Democratic mayors, I might add, many black mayors have been the focal of this. In fact, on Thursday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams filed a $700 million lawsuit against 17 charter bus companies who transported migrants from Texas."

"What are your thoughts about the case, and is this an action you would consider taking as well?" Sharpton asked.

"You’re absolutely right about the intentions of Gov. Abbott," answered Johnson. "He is attacking democratically-run cities, and particularly cities that are being led by black leaders or leaders of color. This is unconscionable. I mean, it’s a very raggedy approach. And quite frankly, not only is it reckless and raggedy, but it is evil-spirited."

Johnson's words drew ridicule from numerous prominent political figures.

"Every city wants to be a ‘sanctuary city’ until it’s actually time to provide sanctuary," said PragerU personality CJ Pearson.

"Please include me as one of the attackers. Undisputed fact: Black Mayors in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York are horrible," posted Fox News commentator Leo Terrell.

Johnson has aired his dirty laundry against Abbott over his shipping of illegal immigrants before, doing so at a press conference in December when he remarked that Abbott "needs to look in the mirror of the chaos that he is causing" for the United States and that his actions amount to "attacking this country."

Abbott declared in November that the state of Texas has bussed tens of thousands of illegal immigrants elsewhere, including "over 12,500 to DC, over 25,000 to New York City, over 20,000 to Chicago, over 3,200 to Philadelphia, over 7,400 to Denver, over 1,100 to Los Angeles."

The Texas governor said that this "mission provides vital relief to border towns."