Chicago received its first busloads of 79 migrants, in this case Venezuelans, on Wednesday night.
At a press conference, Lightfoot said she could not “fully make up for the cruelty that our new neighbours have experienced”.
01:37 'A man without morals': Chicago mayor chides Texas governor for expelling migrants – video.
Among the 75 arrivals to Chicago were seven infants, and a total of 20 children and teens, according to local authorities.
Chicago is now bracing itself for the arrival of further busloads of migrants after the city became the third target of Abbott’s political gambit.
The Democratic mayor of New York, Eric Adams, has counter-attacked by accusing the Texas governor of inhumanity.
Migrants arriving in Chicago will not be asked about their immigration status, and their information will not be shared with federal authorities or law enforcement, under city rules. »