Alderman accused of threatening Chicago property owner over decision to house migrants

One of the properties owned by Chris Amatore, who decided to open the doors on some of his properties to house migrants in Chicago.
One of the properties owned by Chris Amatore, who decided to open the doors on some of his properties to house migrants in Chicago. Photo credit CBS 2

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A property owner, who has allowed hundreds of migrants to move into some of his buildings, has now accused a Chicago alderman of threatening him.

Chris Amatore said Southeast Side Ald. Greg Mitchell (7th) screamed at him, threatened his life and threatened to terminate a Chicago Housing Authority contract with Amatore’s business because he didn’t tell the alderman in advance of letting the migrants move in.

The Sun-Times reports Amatore filed a complaint with the Chicago inspector general after last week’s incident inside the 7th Ward office. He didn’t comment for the story, but he did speak with CBS 2 in January.

“I’ve had a lot of success in my life, and I’m very grateful to God for that,” he told the station. “I don’t know what it is, something kind of snapped in me, and I feel like I’m on God’s plan, and I’m just trying to help.”

The paper said the complaint was mailed to all 50 alderpersons. Mitchell allegedly demanded to know why Amatore was offering free housing to migrants only and not to “help Black people in his ward.”

WBBM has reached out to the alderman and Amatore’s Manage Chicago company for comment.

Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok

Featured Image Photo Credit: CBS 2