The escalating migrant crisis in Massachusetts has reached a critical point, with Boston Logan Airport's Terminal E now serving as an impromptu shelter for numerous undocumented immigrants.
The state's shelter system is buckling under the strain, leaving many with no other option but to seek refuge in the airport terminal.
Jennifer Mehigan, a spokesperson for Massport, confirmed the situation to the Boston Herald, stating, "We continue to see migrants at the airport on a daily basis. They come to Logan a number of ways some fly in, but the majority do not. They also arrive at Logan at all hours." The influx of migrants has resulted in people sleeping on the terminal's lower level floors, as depicted in images obtained by CBS News.
Mehigan further revealed that the airport has made staff fluent in Haitian Creole and Spanish available to assist the migrants. The airport is reportedly collaborating with the state to transport individuals to "welcome centers," which provide guidance to incoming migrants regarding available resources, services, and transportation.
Governor Maura Healey addressed the situation during a press conference on Monday, acknowledging the strain on the state's resources. "Frankly, what youve seen at Logan has been the situation, and this is why I said months ago that we are reaching capacity here," she said. Despite the overwhelming number of migrants, the governor confirmed that "no incidents" have occurred at the airport. She expressed gratitude towards the airport staff and state police for managing the situation effectively.
Healey also highlighted the state's efforts to alleviate the crisis, including the processing of nearly 3,000 work authorizations and the establishment of overflow sites and additional housing in collaboration with community partners such as United Way. However, she emphasized the need for federal assistance, stating, "This is not a problem that Massachusetts created. However, its a problem that were having to deal with right now."
Massachusetts is unique in having a "right-to-shelter law," enacted in 1983 by Governor Michael Dukakis. This law guarantees migrant families access to taxpayer-funded emergency shelter. Despite this provision, the state's shelter system is currently at its limit, housing 7,500 families.
The crisis in Massachusetts unfolds against the backdrop of a larger national issue. Texas is currently locked in a dispute with the Biden administration over border security. Governor Greg Abbott has accused the federal government of neglecting its constitutional duty to protect the state against what he terms an "invasion" at the southern border.
Several Republican governors, including Florida's Ron DeSantis, Virginia's Glenn Youngkin, and Georgia's Brian Kemp, have publicly expressed their support for Abbott and Texas. They are challenging the Biden administration's refusal to permit Texas to use razor wire to deter illegal border crossings.
Abbott stated, "The Executive Branch of the United States has a constitutional duty to enforce federal laws protecting states, including immigration laws on the books right now. President Biden has refused to enforce those laws and has even violated them."
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