Second immigrant bus arrives in Philadelphia from Texas, activists wonder if more coming

A second bus carrying immigrants from Texas arrived in Philadelphia on Monday morning, a twice-in-six-days sequel that propelled the city to offer fresh welcome to more weary, uncertain travelers from the border. Immigration advocates said the bus with an estimated 48 Spanish-speaking passengers was sent here by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. The bus landed outside 30th Street Station in freezing temperatures, welcomed by more than 20 immigrant leaders, city officials and volunteers, some of whom had waited hours to help provide a greeting. They immediately handed out blankets and, to a toddler, a puffy winter coat. Shortly after the bus arrived at 9:45 a.m., Abbott tweeted that “Texas has bused over 13,500 migrants to sanctuary cities” — and ticked off the numbers, including 8,400 to Washington, D.C., 3,800 to New York City, 1,200 to Chicago and as of Monday almost 100 to Philadelphia.

Local advocates believe that more buses could be coming here soon, and say they’re ready to provide a warm, safe welcome. Most of the arrivals on Monday were men. All aboard had crossed the border into Texas, and all have permission to be in the United States, at least for now. The travelers originally came from Nicaragua, Cuba, Ecuador, Peru and the Dominican Republic. About 30 riders were quickly transferred to a waiting SEPTA bus, to be moved to a city welcome center in North Philadelphia. There they would be offered additional drinks, food, medical screenings and temporary shelter. Passengers Mayra and Kevin Arvoledo described a harrowing two-month journey from Ecuador. Some others making similar treks died along the way, they said The couple and their 3-year-old daughter, Sofia, are headed to Connecticut to be with family. As volunteers zipped Sofia into a warm jacket, Kevin described being overwhelmed by the kindness he’s been shown in Philadelphia. “All these organizations have really made us feel welcome,” he said in Spanish, as his family waited for relatives to pick them up. Kevin Torres, with Casa de Venezuela, said those on the bus were in good spirits and had no emergency medical needs. One man reported having a broken leg, but wanted to go to the welcome center before seeking medical help.