Abbott bused no migrants to blue cities in July despite promise

Abbott vowed to keep sending buses during his speech at the July 17 RNC, but NBC News obtained data suggesting he did not follow through

By Terrance Kible

Published: August 22, 2024 4:07pm

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott appears to have reneged on his promise to keep busing illegal immigrants to sanctuary cities. The GOP governor made the promise July 17 at the Republican National Convention.

Texas sent 4,281 migrants to sanctuary cities on 95 buses in July 2023. NBC News submitted a FOIA request to see how many he sent the same time this year.

Abbott reportedly sent none the same month he promised more at the RNC.

The data NBC News obtained cover April 11, 2022, through August 8, 2024. This confirms NBC News reporting that busing declined sharply after the Biden administration's executive action to curtail asylum applications took effect in June.

Abbott sent 156 buses to sanctuary cities in January, which dropped the next month only to rise in March and April when Texas sent over 100 buses each month.

Totals started to decline by May, with Texas sending only 76 buses containing just over 3,000 migrants.

The decline accelerated in June, with only five buses departing before the administration's new rule took effect on June 4.

Texas sent eight buses on June 4 and just 15 more after June 4.