Chicago migrant crisis: Pilsen residents sound off on eve of new shelter opening

CHICAGO - As the migrant population in Chicago continues to grow, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, on Monday, demanded that the White House offer immediate assistance in handling the crisis.

In a public letter penned to President Joe Biden, Pritzker asked the federal government to intervene in the border bussing program. Since August 2022, the program has brought more than 17,000 migrants to Chicago.

Pritzker went on to call the situation "untenable" — and once again asked for expedited work authorizations. This comes amid rising tensions across the city as officials struggle to find housing solutions for migrant families.

"No child should ever sleep on the floor of a police station. I know that we all agree on this and there are frustrations, and what we don’t agree on is the prioritization of funding," said Dr. Stephanie Liou, who spoke during a community meeting held on Monday.

In Pilsen, plans are progressing quickly – with families set to move into a new, city-run migrant shelter starting Tuesday, Oct. 3. There, families with children will be prioritized.

The move-in date was only just announced Monday evening during a meeting with residents at Benito Juarez Community Academy.

Those in attendance were promised time to ask questions, but a lengthy presentation from city officials left them on-edge – with less than 45 minutes to share their concerns.

Residents who did speak had mixed opinions on the new shelter – located at 2241 South Halsted Street.

Those who are opposed to it shared concerns over its proximity to schools and senior centers, and a curfew of 11 p.m. – one that many neighbors believe is far too late.

"I don’t think that people need be out in the neighborhood up until 11, especially around Dvorak Park," one woman said.

Others encouraged the community to welcome migrants with open arms.

"We need to get them in before the cold gets here," said Jose Alcala, community member. "We gotta help these people, it’s time, we gotta stop fighting."

City officials say the site will be staffed around the clock and Chicago police will make "regular visits to the building."

"It’s nice to help others but what about the people who are already in the city," one community member said.

"There’s enough jobs for everybody here, we all fit in America and we want those worker’s permits for all," said Emma Lozano.

More than 3,000 migrants are still waiting on spots to open in temporary shelters – with many of them still living at police stations.

"The goal is to get people out of police stations, especially children, with winter approaching. We are in this position because in the last administration there was no plan. It didn't go to brick and mortar," said Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez of the 25th Ward. "What we're hearing from residents are two things: getting kids out of police stations and not forgetting about Chicagoans who are also suffering."

As he seeks to assist migrant families, Lopez said he is also working with community partners support the city’s unhoused residents, and shared that there are plans to open a homeless shelter at 24th and Western in the coming months.

In the last week, 42 migrant buses have arrived from the Texas border, but city officials warned Monday that Chicago could start receiving up to 25 buses per day.

The city also plans to turn the Amundsen Park Fieldhouse into a migrant shelter. It’s an idea "strongly opposed" by 29th Ward Ald. Christopher Taliaferro.

Taliaferro is holding a community meeting Tuesday evening to discuss the proposed use of the facility. It will take place at 6 p.m. at Amundsen Park located at 6200 W. Bloomingdale Avenue.