Mundelein prohibits unscheduled migrant bus stops

Mundelein officials have a message for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott: Don’t send unscheduled buses filled with migrants here.

With charter buses streaming into Illinois from the Lone Star State’s border with Mexico — especially to suburbs that have train stations on lines that connect with Chicago, such as Mundelein — the village board on Monday night became the latest to prohibit surprise drop-offs of 10 or more bus passengers.

Bus operators could be fined $10,000 for any such stop, plus $750 per passenger. Buses could be impounded, too.

The restrictions don’t apply to school bus service or buses transporting riders to village-sponsored events or to events at local businesses. They also don’t apply to buses used for weddings or other private events.

Under the busing operation that Abbott, a Republican, launched in 2022, tens of thousands of migrants who crossed into the U.S. in Texas have been transported to Chicago and other Democratic-controlled cities. Some have been transported by airplane.

Buses started unloading migrants in Lombard, Naperville, Elmhurst, Fox River Grove and other suburbs late last year after Chicago outlawed unscheduled bus deliveries.

No drops have been made in Mundelein. “This is proactive,” Village Administrator Eric Guenther said.

Guenther said officials are especially concerned about drivers dropping off passengers who must wait for trains while not being appropriately dressed for winter weather, as has happened in some towns.

The proposal passed unanimously. Trustee Tim Wilson called the bus transports “inhumane” and said action must be taken to stop them.

Buffalo Grove, South Barrington, Elburn and Rosemont are among the other suburbs that have banned unscheduled bus drops. The Deer Park village board could take similar action Wednesday night.