Texas Gov. Greg Abbott told a Republican gathering in Midtown on Thursday that he will continue to send busses of migrants to New York City until President Joe Biden leaves office.
The Republican leader, who has bused over 100,000 migrants to northern Democratic cities such as New York, delivered the main address at the New York State Republican Committee's annual dinner at the Hilton, the party's first since the outbreak. He addressed a ballroom crowd of approximately 500 people, the majority of whom were donors and party supporters.
Abbott's appearance indicated the GOP's intention to press down on immigration as a campaign issue in the November elections.
High-Profile Spat With The Biden Administration
The governor is also embroiled in a high-profile spat with the Biden administration over border security and immigration enforcement. A case pending before the Supreme Court could resolve the difficulties. Abbott has described his busing campaign as an effort to "bring the border" to the federal government in Washington, D.C., and towns and states outside of Texas.
Abbott questioned Biden's record on border security and positioned his conservative principles as a model for New York. He also mentioned the 100 years of Democratic leadership in the Lone Star State, which gave way to Republican dominance.
Eric Adams Take On Texas Governor
About 20 demonstrators from immigrant and progressive advocacy groups, such as Make the Road NY and the Working Families Party, met Abbott outside the hotel.
A representative for City Hall did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the governor's visit. Earlier on Thursday, Mayor Eric Adams stated that he would offer the governor the opportunity to stay at one of the city's emergency migrant shelters.