Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office has announced the opening of two new migrant shelters in Chicago, despite local elected officials being kept in the dark about the developments. The new shelters, funded by taxpayers and run by non-profit organizations, aim to provide stability and support to families seeking independence.
State Representative Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar and Senator Mike Porfirio, both Democrats, expressed surprise and concern about the sudden announcement, citing a lack of transparency and public input. They argued that local residents should have been consulted and informed about the plans before the shelters were opened.
Residents near the new shelters are also voicing their discontent, with some expressing fears about public safety and quality of life. Cassi Almeida, a local resident, spoke out against the shelter in her neighborhood, citing problems with drug use, vandalism, and sexual activity in the area.
“I had one of them pull his pants down and pee right in front of my house,” Almeida said. “I’m not against immigrants, but when they act with this disrespect, it’s out of the question.”
State Representative Adam Neimerg criticized Pritzker’s administration for prioritizing the needs of newly arrived migrants over those of American citizens and legal immigrants.
“This is a Democrat-voter registration drive,” Neimerg said. “We’re putting veterans, homeless, and folks in the inner cities last.”
The new shelters are strategically located at some of the farthest points from the downtown area where the Democratic National Convention will be held in August. The city closed a migrant shelter closer to downtown, citing the need for more space and resources.
The controversy has raised questions about the motivations behind the sudden expansion of migrant shelters in Chicago, and whether the state is prioritizing the needs of its own citizens and legal residents.
