Illegal immigrants who have been sleeping on the floors at Boston’s Logan International Airport are being forced to leave as Massachusetts implements its new ban to crack down on the migrant crisis in its state.
Last month, Governor Maura Healy stated that migrants who have been sleeping at the airport had until July 9 to vacate. She also announced that they would be offered taxpayer-funded accommodations at a designated facility.
Prior to Healy’s announcement, nearly 300 migrants had been sleeping at the airport, creating makeshift beds and mattresses, according to Fox News. Although the number has decreased, 56 migrants still remain.
“We’ve also made clear to those who might think about coming to Massachusetts that we’re not going to be able to provide housing, nor are you going to be able to stay at Logan Airport anymore,” Healey said in a statement.
The state has offered housing at a former minimum-security correctional center, which was repurposed last month to house homeless individuals and illegal immigrants in need of shelter. The facility includes amenities such as bathrooms, a cafeteria, a gymnasium, and play areas for children.
These measures are part of Healey’s and the state’s efforts to address illegal immigration as resources have been strained due to the large influx. Last year, Healey declared a state of emergency due to the rising number of migrants. The state is also constrained by a 1983 law that requires it to provide emergency housing to homeless families.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu applauded the governor’s efforts to clean up the airport and offer a plan to alleviate the burden on the state by the overwhelming number of migrants. She also called on the federal government to provide assistance in the state.
“This is a federal challenge that has been pushed down to the cities and states that are considered more welcoming than others, so it has been a real struggle,” said Mayor Michelle Wu, according to Boston 25 News.
