US Migrant Crisis Has Chicago Residents Crying for Drastic Solution
Chicago residents are expressing frustration with the city's handling of the ongoing US migrant crisis, citing strained resources and concerns about support for disadvantaged neighborhoods in this Democrat-run sanctuary city.
Former acting ICE Director Tom Homan appeared on "FOX & Friends" to react to the situation, where irate residents confronted local officials about the consequences of liberal policies toward migrants.
During a recent city council meeting, 41st Ward Republican Alderman Anthony Napolitano asked residents if they believed Chicago should remain a sanctuary city.
The crowd responded with a resounding "no," accompanied by boos and catcalls.
Ninth Ward Alderman Anthony Beale expressed concerns about the city's spending, which has reached $40 million per month, Fox News noted.
A majority of the audience, predominantly African-American residents, voiced anger over the financial resources allocated to illegal immigrants.
Tom Homan emphasized the disparity in support between struggling Chicago residents and illegal immigrants who receive free meals and hotel accommodations at the expense of taxpayers.
He argued that sanctuary policies compromise community safety, as they restrict local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE agents to address public safety threats posed by criminal immigrants.
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Chicago Residents Slam City Council Over Sanctuary Status
A heated debate erupted during a Chicago City Council meeting when they discussed a referendum aimed at altering the city's sanctuary status.
Council members sought to pass a softer referendum that imposed "reasonable limits" on migrant-related spending and resources, but the crowd largely opposed it, according to Dayton 24/7.
The proposed limits include funding caps and time constraints on the use of city shelters.
Citizens in attendance accused council members of disregarding the public's concerns regarding the referendum, asserting their right as legal citizens to vote on whether Chicago should remain a sanctuary city amid the US migrant crisis.
Security had to escort several individuals, including a distraught woman, out of the council chambers, leading to boos from the crowd. Amid the chaos, one woman asked, "Do you want a race war?"
Alderman Anthony Beale argued that the chaos stemmed from the city council's failure to listen to the public, stating that when the voice of certain people is silenced, chaos ensues.
During the meeting, the Chicago City Council voted to accept donated land for a temporary winterized migrant camp, a decision that many Chicago residents opposed, citing a lack of consultation and the use of local parks and recreation facilities.
Earlier in the month, Chicago signed a lease to use a vacant park for temporary refugee housing, costing the city nearly $100,000 per month.
The Influx of Chicago Illegal Immigrants
Thousands of migrants have been arriving in Illinois and Chicago for over a year, with warnings of thousands more on the way.
The US migrant crisis has strained resources and raised questions about support for those already in the city.
Most of these migrants come from Venezuela, fleeing a decade-long political, social, and economic crisis.
Many have taken a harrowing route to the United States, although most initially settled in neighboring Latin American countries.
Buses carrying migrants to Illinois and Chicago have primarily come from Texas under the direction of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, per NBC Chicago.
As of October 5, more than 17,000 migrants have arrived in the city since August 2022, with the number expected to increase.
READ MORE: New York's Migrant Problem
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: Chicago migrants: Rep. Jonathan Jackson holds heated town hall on Chicago migrant crisis - From NBC Chicago