Staff Reports
In a decisive and commendable move, residents of Chicago’s Brighton Park neighborhood united to reject the idea of housing more illegal migrants. Their opposition was met with a protest against construction crews seen working at the site of the proposed encampment for approximately 2,000 migrants. City officials had confirmed the vacant 10-acre lot at 38th and California as the intended site for this encampment just the day before. Residents were rightfully dismayed by the lack of community input and the audaciousness of city officials.
In response to growing concerns about migrants sleeping in harsh conditions as winter approaches, the mayor’s office released a rather condescending statement. They explained that various sites had been identified as potential locations for base camps to provide an alternative to migrants sleeping outdoors or on the floors of police district stations. The mayor’s office expressed confidence in the viability of the 38th and California site, intending to construct temporary shelter there. For Mayor Brandon Johnson, this would mark the creation of his first “winterized base camp,” according to reports from Fox 32 Chicago.
Residents were incensed by the sudden appearance of construction equipment at the proposed site and wasted no time in contacting the city’s office. Ald. Julia Ramirez and an aide were specifically singled out for initiating the project without consulting the community. This sparked a Thursday demonstration, during which Ramirez strongly urged the administration to be more transparent and open about their plans. In a letter shared on Sunday, Ramirez expressed her frustration at not being informed of the migrant shelter plans by the mayor’s office.
Chicago Alderman Julia Ramirez was just chased into a car by an anti-illegal immigrant housing protest. She looks visibily shaken and in tears as police rushed her away from the scene.
Americans want the invasion to end. They want their communities back. pic.twitter.com/zOJ2EEJkja
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) October 19, 2023
During the neighborhood meeting on Tuesday, one community member passionately declared, “Nobody asked us, nobody told us! We have a few thousand people here who signed their signature and said ‘no!’ We said no!” This sentiment was echoed by many as they voiced concerns about the safety of children walking to school and the already dire situation of neighbors living on the streets. The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications reported that over 3,000 illegal immigrants were awaiting shelter on Tuesday, with migrant families expected to begin moving into the West Town shelter come November 1st.
As Chicago faces its own set of challenges, it is heartening to see residents standing up for their community’s well-being and demanding a say in decisions that directly impact them. This rejection sends a strong message that the voices of the people cannot be ignored, even in the face of political agendas.
