Chicago residents angry as more Texas buses arrive, resources diverted to immigrants.
Chicago Residents Concerned About Influx of Immigrants
Chicago residents are becoming increasingly wary of the allocation of resources to immigrants, especially as the city prepares to welcome a new wave of arrivals from the southern border on Wednesday.
Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that four buses carrying asylum-seekers from Texas will be arriving in the Windy City. He criticized Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) for using immigrants as political pawns, particularly as Chicago gears up to host the Democratic National Convention in 2024.
Concerns Over Resource Allocation
Since the announcement of the convention, at least 150 buses of immigrants have arrived in Chicago, totaling 13,500 immigrants since August 31, 2022. This influx has necessitated the establishment of shelters and coordination with state and local governments and law enforcement to provide resources. However, this has left native Chicagoans feeling frustrated, as they believe these resources should be directed towards addressing issues such as homelessness and supporting marginalized communities.
Residents of Hyde Park recently protested against a plan to house 300 immigrants at a nearby motel. Many expressed concerns about public safety and claimed they were not adequately informed about the plan. Some residents even criticized city leaders for neglecting marginalized communities while prioritizing immigrants.
“You’ve got 73% of the people homeless in this city are black people,” one woman voiced her frustration at the Hyde Park meeting. “What have you done for them?”
Challenges and Criticisms
Currently, there are approximately 6,500 immigrants staying in the city-run shelters, with the goal of relocating them from overcrowded police stations. The Fraternal Order of Police has criticized the Johnson administration for the situation, deeming it “unacceptable and ridiculous working conditions.”
In May, the Chicago City Council allocated $51 million from the budget surplus to address the influx of immigrants, which received backlash from Republicans. With limited funds from the state, the city had to allocate its own resources.
A “Humanitarian Endeavor”
Mayor Johnson assured the public that he will be presenting a comprehensive plan to address the situation, emphasizing the humanitarian aspect of the endeavor. He sees the influx of immigrants as an opportunity for the city, but also acknowledges the growing tensions within Chicago communities.
“We also have to be very clear that for a long time, we’ve ignored what has been the norm in this city of the displacement and the disruption of black existence,” Mayor Johnson acknowledged.
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