A Texas mayor is discouraged his border town has gotten the cold shoulder from the federal government amid a flood of undocumented migrants.
Mayor Jim Darling said Thursday he's disappointed McAllen wasn't allocated funds from the proposed $3.7 billion emergency funds President Obama has requested to cope with an influx of immigrants from Central America crossing the border. Darling said he respected Obama's judgment in going to Dallas on Thursday rather than visiting McAllen directly, but said he was again disappointed McAllen didn't get a seat at the table to discuss the crisis.
Darling said the border town has fronted $71,000 in efforts to deal with the influx since June and estimates the bill would reach $600,000 through December. "I don't think it's fair for our taxpayers to bear that burden," he said. During their stay, migrant families have received provisions from city and state leaders and charitable organizations.
IN-DEPTH
- Obama on Border Crisis: 'This Isn't Theater'
- White House Asks Congress for $3.7 Billion for Border Crisis
- In Some Towns, Immigrants Met With Aid Instead of Anger
SOCIAL
— Natalie Daher