(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – The city of Chicago has increased the number of CTA buses that are being deployed overnight at police stations to help keep migrants warm as winter conditions arrive, officials said.
The Johnson Administration said 21 of the buses were being posted at the Chicago police district stations where many asylum seekers are sheltering temporarily. This is in addition to warming buses deployed at the "landing" site where newly arriving migrants are being dropped off in Chicago from the U.S. Southern border and from other U.S. cities.
The warming buses will be open from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
One of the vehicles was parked Tuesday evening outside the 17th District police station along Pulaski on the city's Northwest Side. Some migrants were sheltering in the building lobby, while others were living in tents on Leland Avenue. A small group huddled around a grill or firepit on the sidewalk.
"The City is also working with faith-based leaders on additional shelter and ready to respond to all medical emergencies with the appropriate care," officials said on social media.
City officials are also asking for donations of winter clothing, blankets and essential items for migrants. For more information go to https://chi.gov/NewArrivals.
The Johnson Administration is working on a plan to house hundreds of migrants in winterized tents, but the idea has been met with resistance in some communities.
Migrants huddle around a fire on Leland Avenue Tuesday evening.WBBM Newsradio
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