Bus carrying migrants heading to Philadelphia: Texas Gov. Abbott
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --A group of migrants from the Texas border are expected to arrive in Philadelphia on Wednesday morning. Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott coordinated the trip, but city officials say Abbott did not share those plans.
The city says they're preparing for roughly 30 people beginning on Wednesday. They say they've been preparing for this moment for months now.
Philadelphia officials say asylum seekers will arrive at 30th Street station on Tuesday after being bussed from Del Rio, Texas. They will then head to a welcome center on Luzerne Street.
The city says they have been preparing for months for their potential arrival and now activated a mass care plan.
They're working with multiple community-based organizations who say they are ready -- everything from housing, legal services and medical attention.
"Since fleeing their country of origin during an incredibly arduous journey to the United States," HIAS Executive Director Cathryn Miller-Wilson said, "they haven't received any medical treatment, so chances are pretty good they have been injured along the way. Meals and clothing, it's cold."
Abbott on Tuesday announced Philadelphia as the latest stop on his bussing operation which he claims will provide relief to the border communities.
The Texas governor on Monday denied a bus was coming to Philadelphia.
Philadelphia is joining other places like New York City, Washington, D.C. and Chicago.
The city says Texas officials have not coordinated with them.
"It is truly disgusting to hear today that Gov. Abbott and his administration continue to implement their purposefully cruel policy using immigrant families -- including women and children -- as pawns to shamelessly push his warped political agenda," Mayor Jim Kenney said.
The city stands ready to welcome roughly 30 asylum seekers.
"Philadelphia remains the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection," Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said. "We are a welcoming people who are passionate about justice and equality. I hope to personally help welcome the refuge seekers to our community, and my office will assist in offering support and services upon their arrival."
Krasner also said his office will be investigating Abbott's office to see if maybe any criminal activities have taken place to get these migrants to Philadelphia.
"They want to be in America," Mayor Jim Kennet said. " They want to do what most of our ancestors have done, just make their life in America. And I see nothing wrong with that and welcome them with open arms."
"We all very much believe in, first of all, human dignity," Miller-Wilson said, "no matter who you are, what country you are from. If you need help, we believe it's our obligation to help."
There's no word on when exactly the bus will arrive.