(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – In a sometimes emotional debate, the Chicago City Council on Wednesday agreed to set aside another $51 million for continuing waves of migrants.
Aldermen voted 34-13 to earmark the money in a budget amendment for feeding and housing migrants and providing services to them.
The asylum-seekers are being sent from the Southern Border. Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has criticized the White House’s border enforcement.
Locally, the issue has become divisive, with some aldermen complaining that Chicago has neglected some neighborhoods and residents and even undocumented people who predate the migrant surge.
“It would be nice if we helped the individuals that were already here, like the tens of thousands of undocumented individuals who we forgot about,” said Ald. Ray Lopez, 15th, who voted “no.”
Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20th) voted "yes" on the migrant aid, but expressed misgivings: "I'm conflicted because in my heart I know what's right. I know it's right to want to help other people because as Black people that's what we do. But when the hell are you all going to help us? When?"
Ald. Andre Vasquez, 40th, says he hears the complaints but voted “yes.” He is chairing a committee on immigration and refugee rights.
Most speakers who address the council, like Jocelyn Bravo from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, said this shouldn’t be an “either /or” situation.
It took some effort for Mayor Johnson, police and others to calm things down in the council chambers.
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