In a press briefing on Wednesday, Psaki was asked if the White House still viewed Abbott’s decision to bus illegal immigrants to Washington, D.C., as a “publicity stunt.” She indicated that the administration has flipped on its view.
“Well, these are all migrants who have been processed by CBP and are free to travel,” she replied. “So, it’s nice the state of Texas is helping them get to their final destination as they await in — their outcome of their immigration proceedings. And they’re all in immigration proceedings.”
The statement is in direct contrast to her claim last Thursday. “I’m not aware of what authority the governor would be doing that under. I think it’s pretty clear this is a publicity stunt,” Psaki said, responding to a question from Fox News’ White House Correspondent Peter Doocy. “[Abbott’s] own office admits that a migrant would need to voluntarily be transported, and then he can’tcompel them to because again, enforcement of our country’s immigration laws lies with the federal government and not a state.”
