The Illinois state government has taken steps to support migrants by offering temporary housing in hotel rooms, responding to a recent surge of asylum-seeker arrivals from Texas. In a move to ensure the safety and well-being of these families, Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker has made approximately 30 hotel rooms available, with plans to accommodate up to 200 people.
The decision to provide housing comes as Texas Governor Greg Abbott allegedly sent an “unprecedented number” of migrants to Illinois without coordination or advanced notice. Former Yuma Sector Border Patrol Chief Chris Clem warns that videos showcasing these crossings can normalize the process and potentially provide valuable information to smugglers and cartels.
Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Secretary Designate, Dulce Quintero, expressed the state’s commitment to supporting the new arrivals. IDHS will provide assistance with work-permit applications, aiming to expedite their path to self-sufficiency. The funding for these hotel rooms comes from the additional $160 million allocated by Governor Pritzker in November to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis resulting from the arrival of over 30,000 asylum seekers from the U.S. Southern Border.
Since the announcement of additional funding, the state reports a decrease in the number of individuals sleeping outside police stations. Currently, there are 14,554 residents in 27 active shelters, with 312 individuals awaiting placement. Additionally, 17 people are waiting at CPD districts, and 295 people are waiting at O’Hare airport.
Chicago Alderman Anthony Beale has proposed allowing Chicago voters to decide on the city’s sanctuary status due to the challenges of accommodating the thousands of migrants under its care. The city officials confirmed that six buses arrived on Saturday, with four more expected on Sunday.
It is important to note that Governor Pritzker’s office was not immediately available for comment regarding the situation.
