(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – The strains of coping with growing numbers of migrants in Chicago were once again apparent as city officials held the latest hearing on the crisis.
Deputy Mayor Beatriz Ponce De Leon on Wednesday offered alderpersons these statistics:
--There are still more than 900 migrants housed in police district buildings, despite efforts to find other locations for them.
--This year alone, 68 busloads of asylum-seekers have been sent to Chicago from Texas and other states. Sixty of these busloads -- with about 50 migrants per bus -- have arrived since Mayor Brandon Johnson took office in May. More are expected.
Once again, elected leaders expressed frustration at some of the ways Chicago is reacting to the challenge. Republican governors who criticize the Biden Administration for mishandling U.S. borders have been sending migrants to cities with Democratic leaders.
Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20th), who attended a volatile community meeting about the migrant shelter at the old Wadsworth Elementary School, complained that it’s mostly Black and Latino wards absorbing the newcomers.
Taylor and others want all neighborhoods to share in the effort. Other leaders say more federal aid is needed to deal with the surge.
Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th), who chairs the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights, said the migrant crisis could come to a head when Chicago hosts the Democratic National Convention next year.
Most of the alders at Wednesday’s hearing said city officials are trying their hardest.
Related
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram