DUPAGE COUNTY (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - While many suburbs have implemented fines for buses dropping migrants in their communities on their way to Chicago, leaders in DuPage County will not be taking such steps.
County Board Chair Deborah Conroy said DuPage is not a home rule community, so it will not be discussing ordinances to punish or stop buses. The Democrat said at a board meeting they've helped more than 4,000 migrants get to Chicago.
"We've been in constant collaboration with our collar counties, local and state-wide partners to ensure a smooth and calm transition of these exhausted travelers," Conroy said.
Republican board member James Zay of Carol Stream said the State's spending to care for new arrivals is not sustainable.
"[That's] Hundreds of millions of dollars that are seniors are not getting, hundreds of millions of dollars that are veterans don't get ," Zay said.
Democratic board member Yeena Yoo of Elmhurst pushed back against some of the costs and labels used in the debate.
"I take exception to anybody who's called them illegal immigrants, it's such a pejorative term," Yoo said.
Suburban mayors will be able to talk next Tuesday with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson at the United Center about a regional response to the more than 30,000 migrants who have arrived on buses from Texas.
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