Chicago to welcome 250 migrants, residents’ reaction awaited.

Chicago Residents React to City’s Plan to House Illegal Immigrants

Residents of Chicago’s South Shore community were not thrilled when they learned that the city planned to take in some 250 illegal immigrants – a number that they said was “fluid” and could increase over time.

During a public meeting addressing the situation, residents raised questions regarding crime and safety and asked why the city had not bothered to consult the people who lived in the community before making plans to bring more people in.

Residents Speak Out

City leaders attempted to explain that the plan included converting an old high school building into a “respite center” for illegal immigrants, but the residents were not receptive to any of the officials’ explanations.

“When it comes to the total number of people at South Shore at any given point in time, it is fluid,” one official said. “We’d start with 250, 500.”

The crowd erupted in response, and then a resident stepped up to the microphone. “How could you do that without consulting us?” she asked, and another added, “I am concerned with safety in the area.”

“While this crisis may constitute an emergency for the city of Chicago, it does not constitute an emergency for the South Shore community,” 8th Ward Alderwoman Michelle Harris said, prompting cheers and applause from the crowd.

Chicago’s Sanctuary City Status

Chicago has been a self-proclaimed “sanctuary city” – where city officials are not permitted to enforce federal immigration laws – since former Mayor Harold Washington first issued an executive order to that effect in 1985. However, the recent surge in migrants arriving in Chicago has led to police departments being overwhelmed and outgoing Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot declaring a state of emergency. “We’ve reached a breaking point,” she said.

Chicago’s Chief Engagement Officer Nubia William tried to impress upon the residents that they were trying to help mitigate a humanitarian crisis — but the crowd began to shout her down before she could even finish her first sentence.

What do you think about Chicago’s plan to house illegal immigrants? Share your thoughts in the comments below.