Mayor Johnson, other officials defend tents for migrants

Migrants
Recently arrived migrants in a makeshift shelter operated by the city of Chicago at O'Hare International Airport on Aug. 31, 2023. Photo credit Armando L. Sanchez/Getty Images

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) --While others are criticizing the city's plans to set up tent cities to house asylum seekers in Chicago, Administration officials say the based camps will fill a growing need.

Officials insist this is not inferior housing, despite what the critics say.

In defense of tents, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, Mayor Johnson's Deputy Chief of Staff said the plans for base camps include massive tents with heating even in winter along with dining facilities, showers, and laundry service.

"These structures are very sophisticated. They HVAC elements to it to make sure you have an ambient temperature of 70 degrees."

The city needs the capacity. At least 186 buses filled with migrants have arrived in Chicago since Johnson took office, who also defended the city's $29 million contract with GardaWorld, the company that will be providing the tents.

"You know as far as this particular contract, my administration has had very thorough conversations with Garda World and the concerns based upon the allegations that have been provided-we will never tolerate the violation of human rights," he said.

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

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images