Mayors to meet in Chicago to discuss migrant crisis
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and metropolitan mayors will meet Tuesday to discuss the ongoing migrant crisis and strategies to deal with the influx of new arrivals.
Tuesday’s discussion topics include the implementation of bus ordinances, such as those adopted by several suburban communities in recent weeks, regional coordination and advocacy opportunities.
“The City of Chicago stands with all municipalities throughout the region that are grappling with this humanitarian crisis sown by Governor Gregg Abbott’s reckless action,” Johnson, who also serves as vice-chair of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, said in a news release.
He added Tuesday’s meeting was essential to maintain a “humane regional response.”
Johnson and suburban mayors have held virtual meetings to help strengthen intelligence sharing, operational alignment and the implementation of bus ordinances across the region. The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus has served a vital role as 200 buses have arrived in the suburban region since Dec. 1.
“Our collective efforts are rooted in providing safe, respectful and compassionate assistance for asylum seekers making their way to their final destination,” Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns, who also heads the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, said in the news release. “This convening is a critical next step to strengthen our collective efforts.”
Since August 2022, Chicago has welcomed about 30,000 new arrivals from the southern border. Since Jan. 1, 2023, a total of 535 buses have arrived in Chicago, with 98% of the buses arriving since mid-May.
In December, buses carrying migrants began dropping off their passengers at suburban train stations after the City of Chicago instituted restrictions on bus arrivals.
On Tuesday, DuPage County officials estimated 96 buses have stopped within the county’s borders since December. Officials estimate roughly 64% of the region’s asylum-seekers have passed through DuPage County.
In recent weeks, several suburban communities have adopted ordinances restricting bus arrivals and requiring bus companies to file applications days in advance of their arrival or face fines or have their buses impounded.
Other towns, such as Glen Ellyn, said they have no plans to enact any restrictions on the ability of migrants to pass through their suburbs.
“We, as a village, are treating these migrants as any other visitors to the village,” Glen Ellyn Village President Mark Senak wrote in a letter to residents. “We respect their wishes and allow them to board the train, purchase tickets, and proceed to their destination.”