Chicago Officials Face Backlash After Plans of Using Youth Football Team Home Field as Migrant Shelter

The city of Chicago finds itself embroiled in controversy as it grapples with sheltering a substantial influx of asylum seekers.

In an unfortunate turn of events, a local youth football team faces displacement to accommodate a migrant camp, inciting the anger of Chicago residents, per the Daily Mail.

Since August 2022, more than 17,000 migrants have arrived in the Windy City.

Over 10,000 of them have been placed in shelters, while close to 3,200 are temporarily staying in police stations and O'Hare International Airport.

To support this endeavor, the city government has allocated a substantial $328 million in aid.

Local sentiment on this matter is divisive, with some residents expressing fury at Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Democratic leadership for their handling of the situation.

Residents have met to discuss a lawsuit filed against the city for housing migrants in public buildings.

One disgruntled local referred to the mayor and Democrats as 'criminals,' stating that they are meant to represent the people who voted for them.

He urged that the Democratic convention not take place in Chicago, stating that citizens appeared to be marching toward dire circumstances.

Chicago Youth Football Team To Protest City's Plans Over Migrant Crisis

A community meeting, attended by over 400 residents, was held on Tuesday. Videos shared on social media revealed that members of a youth football team were present at the meeting, according to Fox News.

Athletic activities, including baseball and football games, would be relocated to alternate sites such as Sayre Park and Lovett Elementary, as reported by Block Club Chicago.

Brion Page, coach of the Windy City Dolphins Youth Football League, expressed concerns that the shelter plan diverts resources from the residents, particularly the children who benefit from these activities.

Page emphasized the close-knit nature of the team, calling it a family, and expressed dismay that the city's actions may negatively impact the youth.

The Windy City Dolphins posted a statement on their Instagram Stories, assuring their continued commitment to their program and their intent to protest to save Amundsen Park.

They acknowledged that while finding a new home might be necessary, they remain steadfast in their resolve to persevere.

Chicago Mayor Faces Criticism Over Migrant Crisis

Mayor Brandon Johnson has been facing criticism and frustration from city leaders and residents, particularly as he prepares for a trip to the border amid the continuous arrival of migrants in Chicago.

The city has witnessed an average of eight buses arriving daily, resulting in the opening of more than two dozen shelters for asylum seekers, with some individuals sleeping in police stations and at O'Hare Airport.

Recognizing the complexity of the situation, Mayor Johnson is exploring alternative plans as winter approaches.

The Chicago Mayor also criticized the far-right wing of the Republican Party, attributing the chaos to their actions and a lack of genuine efforts to address the issue, Fox 32 noted.

Mayor Johnson called for a deeper examination of faith and a sense of community responsibility in dealing with the crisis.

The city has established an online donation site to encourage residents and community groups to contribute items to assist the migrants.

Mayor Johnson has not yet disclosed the date of his trip to the Southern border but has promised transparency regarding the plans and associated costs.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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