In a push to manage the surge of migrants in the City, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is appealing to Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker to set up additional migrant shelters beyond the confines of the city's bounds. This request, coming after a recent City Council meeting, underscores a pivot from Johnson's previous focus on city-based solutions for the migrant crisis. Reporting from the Chicago Tribune indicates that though the mayor did not respond to queries about the looming Feb. 1 deadline for migrants to vacate city shelters due to a 60-day notice policy, he emphasized the state's commitment to accommodate 2,200 beds—a plan that is moving slower than the policy's progression.
Despite Johnson's contention that "the state of Illinois can build a shelter anywhere in the state of Illinois," which he stated while deflecting questions about shelter extensions, there seems to be a tangle between the mayor's office and the state regarding the identification of potential shelter sites. Pritzker recently pointed out on Jan. 22, as reported by Crain's Chicago Business, that without clarity on where the city wants these state-funded shelters established, the state's ability to assist is hamstrung.
The state initially earmarked funds to establish a large tent base camp in Brighton Park, which was later canceled due to environmental health concerns and proceeded to open a 200-bed facility at a former CVS location. Gov. Pritzker's office, through spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh, argues that Chicago makes logical sense for continued investment given the existing infrastructure of shelters and support systems. Yet, she mentioned to Crain, that the state is eager for Mayor Johnson to propose specific locations to apply the allotted resources, while also exploring additional sites in the city with various partners, including the archdiocese.
Over 34,000 migrants have made their way to Chicago since August 2022, initially bused by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. In the face of the harsh Chicago winter, and as the city grapples with a migrant shelter system at full capacity, the $150 million budgeted for 2024 by Mayor Johnson—aimed at migrant care—could be exhausted before year's end, as reported by the Chicago Tribune. While the mayor stands by the 60-day shelter limit policy, Johnson acknowledges the evolving nature of the crisis and expresses openness to reevaluate as necessary.
Behind the public sparring over shelter strategy, Mayor Johnson and Gov. Pritzker are reported to have had private discussions, last occurring over breakfast in December, as per Crain's, to deliberate the migrant issue and coordination for the upcoming Democratic National Convention. As the Feb. 1 eviction date for migrants approaches, and with a reconsideration of the shelter limit policy on the table, the dialogue between city and state leadership remains pivotal in navigating the city's pressing humanitarian challenge.
