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Chicago Residents Push Back Against City’s Plan to House Illegal Immigrants

South Shore Community Voices Concerns

Residents of Chicago’s South Shore community are not happy with the city’s plan to house illegal immigrants. The plan, which could bring in up to 250 people, has raised concerns about crime and safety. At a public meeting addressing the situation, residents expressed their frustration with city officials for not consulting them before making plans to bring more people into their community.

Chicago’s Chief Engagement Officer, Nubia William, attempted to explain that the city was trying to help mitigate a humanitarian crisis, but the crowd began to shout her down before she could finish her first sentence. When the time came for public comments, residents and city leaders made it clear that they did not approve of the city’s plan.

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

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.”

Chicago has been a self-proclaimed “sanctuary city” since 1985, where city officials are not permitted to enforce federal immigration laws. 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.

Key Takeaways:

• Chicago’s South Shore community is pushing back against the city’s plan to house illegal immigrants.
• Residents are concerned about crime and safety and feel that they were not consulted before the plan was made.
• City officials attempted to explain the plan, but residents were not receptive.
• Chicago has been a self-proclaimed “sanctuary city” since 1985, but the recent surge in migrants has led to a state of emergency being declared.