The state of Texas has leveraged charter bus services from companies such as Wynne Transportation LLC for migrant transportation. This collaboration has recently undergone a seismic shock. Wynne Transportation has filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Chicago. The allegation? The city's newly enacted ordinance banning unannounced migrant drop-offs is unconstitutional and punitive to Texas-associated transport companies.
Wynne Transportation LLC is actively challenging the newly defined restrictions in Chicago. The rules prohibit buses from dropping off single-journey passengers without prior clearance.
Understanding the New Restrictions
This ordinance doesn't explicitly mention immigration, but Chicago's leaders openly accept it as a response to the spring tide of migrants. Reports suggest that Texas-supplied charter buses have already transported over 30,000 migrants. The concern arises because these people are often abandoned on the streets without prior notice.
The measure, implemented on December 8, is positioned to stem this tide of inbound migrant passengers. If an unscheduled one-way bus from outside Chicago drops off people without city approval, strict penalties may ensue. Violators could receive a fine of $3,000 and impounding of their vehicles.
Texas bus operators are willfully ignoring these laws designed to maintain the safety of arriving asylum seekers, says Mayor Brandon Johnson. In response to the escalating migrant crisis, Mayor Johnson called for federal support in a December news release.
Migrants as Political Instruments?
Republican Governor Greg Abbott of Texas seems to have played a part in this drama. Under his direction, over 90,000 migrants have been bused to "sanctuary cities" under Democratic governance. These include major cities like New York, Washington, DC, Chicago, Philadelphia, Denver, and Los Angeles. According to data from the governor's office released last December, all this activity has happened since April last year.
"Wynne is striking back against Chicago's ordinance due to the unlawful interference with its business," says Michael Kozlowski, a legal representative for Wynne Transport and other charters. "The ordinance infringes upon Wynne's constitutional rights and the rights of Wynne's passengers."
Legal Implications and Retaliation
The Wynne lawsuit aims to address the limitations imposed by the ordinance on immigrant flow. It argues these restrictions undermine the federal government's authority in setting immigration policy. The case seeks to provide immigrants the opportunity to make Chicago their home.
Simultaneously, Texas remains embroiled in an ongoing dispute with the Biden administration over its attempts to arrest migrants and limit Border Patrol's authority.
The Long Road Ahead
To date, Chicago has brought 95 separate lawsuits against approximately 24 bus companies, Wynne included, in enforcing the disputed ordinance. Michael Kozlowski assures us, "We intend to defend those cases vigorously."
The Wynne lawsuit suggests that the ordinance breaches the plaintiff's and passengers' fundamental right to free movement. It sees Chicago's restrictions, which primarily impact out-of-state companies, violating the federal government's constitutional right to regulate interstate commerce.
Fighting such a battle necessitates an experienced legal team. Remember, having a seasoned attorney can make all the difference when facing legal challenges. They'll simplify things and stand up for your rights. So, get in touch with one today!
