In a recent development, transportation companies are reportedly exploiting a loophole to bypass an executive order issued by New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
The order, which restricts the number of buses entering the city and mandates them to notify officials of their arrival in advance, was aimed at curbing the influx of illegal immigrants.
However, these companies have found a workaround by dropping off the migrants at transit hubs in New Jersey. From there, the migrants board trains to cross the Hudson River into New York City.
Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli, in a statement on Sunday, expressed his concern over the situation. "It seems quite clear the bus operators are finding a way to thwart the requirements of the Executive Order by dropping migrants at the train station in Secaucus and having them continue to their final destination," he said. Gonnelli suggested that the stringent requirements of Adams' order might be backfiring, leading to "unexpected consequences" as companies exploit a loophole to ensure migrants reach New York City.
Gonnelli further added, "Based on reports from the State Police, this is now happening at train stations throughout the state."
According to Politico, similar incidents have been reported by mayors of other towns and cities bordering the Hudson River, with buses full of migrants arriving at their stations.
A spokesman for Mayor Adams, while speaking to Politico, criticized Texas Governor Greg Abbott. He accused Abbott of "dropping families off in surrounding cities and states in the cold, dark of night with train tickets to travel to New York City, just like he has been doing in Chicago in response to their similar executive order."
Although New Jersey was not explicitly mentioned, the spokesman stated that the administration was working with neighboring cities and counties to encourage them to adopt similar measures to protect migrants.
In response to the situation, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy's office has pledged to investigate the matter and find a solution.
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