Chicago-Bound Illegal Immigrants Dropped Off In Secret Locations So Bus Drivers Can Avoid Fines

Bus drivers who are transporting illegal immigrants from the United States southern border to Chicago are dropping them off in secret locations to avoid fines from the city. The bus drivers reportedly are shuttling immigrants to various spots around the city but not at shelters or police stations where they can get help. The drivers also have cut off all communication with city officials. "Obviously, they’re trying every way to work around this," Cristina Pacione-Zayas, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s deputy chief of staff, told the Chicago Tribune. "Since we’ve instituted the ordinance and the amendment, we have lost all communication with the border. They’re not sending us any notices. … When they come without notice and coordination, it starts to undermine what we’re trying to do."

It is not clear where the new arrivals are being dropped off, but some are being transported to Chicago suburbs. Several buses arrived at train stations in Cicero, Illinois, and Rosemont, Illinois, near the O'Hare International Airport remote parking area last week. Both suburbs are now taking action to prevent buses from arriving again. Cicero has approved a measure to fine bus companies $750 per person for letting out homeless immigrants. Chicago is also suing bus companies and seeking the ability to impound buses and fine owners $3,000 if they do not follow Chicago's rules limiting the time and frequency of arrivals. The city has already filed 50 lawsuits against bus drivers. Almost 26,000 immigrants have been transported into Chicago since August 2022.

Johnson recently unveiled plans to house nearly 2,000 immigrants in tents in Brighton Park during the winter months, but Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) nixed the first plan after a report highlighted environmental concerns. However, Johnson has allocated $150 million from the recent budget to sheltering illegal immigrants. Homelessness investments will also increase to $250 million, while anti-violence programming will reach $100 million.

Washington Examiner: Chicago-bound immigrants dropped off in secret locations so drivers can avoid fines
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/immigration/chicago-bound-immigrants-dropped-off-secret-locations