In a desperate bid to manage the escalating migrant crisis, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey activated the National Guard. The state is grappling with an unprecedented influx of migrants, leading to a severe strain on resources and sparking widespread protests.
The situation in Massachusetts is a stark reflection of the broader national crisis. Overwhelmed by the sheer number of migrants arriving, state officials have been forced to call upon the National Guard for assistance.
On Thursday, 250 members were mobilized to transport the latest wave of asylum seekers to shelters across the state.
You get what you vote for. https://t.co/8ppLtQjjrS
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) September 1, 2023
However, the state’s efforts are being hampered by a severe lack of housing and resources. Non-profit organizations, which have been instrumental in providing aid, are stretched to their limits.
State Senator Jamie Eldridge told CBS News, “Right now, the non-profits that are in Massachusetts are stretched so thin they cannot provide any more staff.”
While the National Guard can bolster manpower, it does little to address the housing shortage. The state’s solution – creating new shelters – has been met with vehement opposition from local residents.
This was evident when dozens of protesters gathered at the Yarmouth Resort motel, where the state plans to set aside 100 units for migrant families.
The protesters argue that the state is prioritizing migrants over its own homeless residents, including veterans. Signs reading, “Vets and Cape Homeless First!!” were prominently displayed at the rally.
This sentiment underscores the growing frustration among locals who feel their needs are being overlooked in favor of migrants.
If they had sent the national guard to the border they wouldn’t need them in Massachusetts.
As I recall, Massachusetts voted for Democrats who REFUSED to support the wall and allowed their cities to get FLOODED with illegal immigrants😳😳😳
— Chad Prather (@WatchChad) September 4, 2023
Despite the opposition, the state continues to scramble for solutions.
The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities stated, “The administration is exploring all options to expand family shelter capacity to meet rising demand.” However, with an estimated 20,000 people currently residing in state shelters, the task is daunting.
The crisis in Massachusetts mirrors the struggle faced by New York City, which has also seen a massive influx of migrants. Last week, at least 400 people gathered in Staten Island to protest the transformation of a shuttered Catholic school into a makeshift shelter.
This situation raises serious questions about the Biden administration’s handling of the migrant crisis.
As former Governor Paterson pointed out, this is a self-inflicted wound. It’s clear the current policies are not sustainable and are causing significant strain on states like Massachusetts.
