Commissioners Call Out Lucas about Migrant Comments

Clay County Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte and Platte County Presiding Commissioner Scott Fricker call on Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas to withdraw his invitation for illegal migrants to come to the Kansas City area.

The commissioners sent a joint statement to mayor Lucas about his comments

The commissioners sent a joint statement to the mayor last weekend admonishing him for the comment and urging him to withdraw that invitation.

Last week, Mayor Lucas made comments that all migrants are welcome in Kansas City. Which spurred Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey to issue a letter reminding the mayor that Lucas state law prohibits companies from hiring immigrants without employment permits and transporting illegal aliens to the state.

Lucas then clarified his statement by saying Kansas City is interested in bringing migrants with lawful work permits.

The commissioners also called on the mayor to move on a resolution that would affirm to the state that Kansas City will not become a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants.

The commissioners feel a vast influx of undocumented workers would have a detrimental influence on their counties.

“The Mayor of New York City puts the cost of their migrant crisis at $12 billion by the Summer of 2025,” wrote Nolte on social media.  “Our cost will not only fall on Kansas City, but citizens across Clay County and the metropolitan area with no say on this policy. A massive influx of migrants will inevitably impact surrounding areas like the Northland and increase the strain on an already serious housing crisis and services for citizens like law enforcement, education, social services and health care systems.”

Brian Watts contributed to this story.