(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- As Mayor Johnson plans to pick locations for migrant tent cities, some aldermen are concerned the issue is bigger than Chicago.
Johnson has called on all 50 Chicago aldermen to find at least 2 acres of space in their wards for winterized tents that could accommodate asylum seekers who continue to arrive by bus.
Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th), chairman of the Immigrant and Refugee Rights Committee, said a more permanent solution is needed. Gov. JB Pritzker may even have to get involved, he said.
“We need to the governor to convene cities across Illinois, which is also a welcoming state, so that they can help in taking on some capacity,” the alderman said Tuesday.
Another issue, Vasquez said, is that Chicago has a population of unhoused people who predate the migrant crisis.
“We have an existing unhoused population prior to the new arrivals that should be also, I believe, getting some level of support, or else it might be viewed in a way that can divide folks.”
Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) said tents are a step up from the police station lobby floors upon which many migrants are staying temporarily. Like other council members, he warns that letting he crisis worsen will make Chicago – and Democrats in general – look bad when the Democratic National Convention is held here in 2024.
Vice President Kamala Harris will be in Chicago Wednesday afternoon for a donor retreat.
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