In a covert operation to bypass city fines, bus drivers transporting illegal immigrants from the United States southern border to Chicago have resorted to dropping them off in undisclosed locations, steering clear of shelters and police stations.
The clandestine maneuvering has raised concerns and criticism from city officials, who are now grappling with the challenge of enforcing immigration policies.
City Official Frustration
Cristina Pacione-Zayas, Deputy Chief of Staff for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, expressed frustration over the evasive tactics employed by bus drivers. “Obviously, they’re trying every way to work around this,” she stated, highlighting the breakdown in communication since the implementation of ordinances aimed at regulating immigrant arrivals.
The lack of coordination undermines the city’s effective management of the situation. The whereabouts of the immigrants post-drop-off remain unclear, with reports suggesting that some are being transported to Chicago suburbs.
Cicero, Illinois, and Rosemont, Illinois, have experienced an influx of buses, prompting these suburbs to take preventative measures. Cicero, for instance, has approved fines of $750 per person for bus companies allowing immigrants to disembark, particularly if they are homeless.
In response to the escalating situation, Chicago is taking legal action against bus companies, pursuing the authority to impound buses and impose fines of $3,000 for non-compliance with the city’s regulations on the timing and frequency of arrivals.
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Lawsuits Surge as Chicago Confronts Influx of 26,000 Immigrants
The city has already filed 50 lawsuits against bus drivers, highlighting the intensifying struggle to manage the influx of immigrants. Since August 2022, nearly 26,000 immigrants have been transported into Chicago.
Despite the challenges, Mayor Brandon Johnson has revealed ambitious plans to accommodate nearly 2,000 immigrants in tents located in Brighton Park during the winter months. However, these plans faced setbacks when Governor J.B. Pritzker rejected the initial proposal due to environmental concerns.
Undeterred, Johnson has allocated $150 million from the recent budget to sheltering illegal immigrants. Additionally, investments in homelessness initiatives will increase to $250 million, while anti-violence programming will receive $100 million in funding.
The city finds itself at a crossroads, balancing humanitarian efforts with the need to enforce immigration regulations in the face of covert transportation practices.
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