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New Lenox seeks to restrict unscheduled buses amid migrant surge
New Lenox has joined the growing list of suburbs issuing executive orders as busloads of migrants are left stranded in communities outside of Chicago.
NEW LENOX, Ill. - New Lenox has joined the growing list of Chicago suburbs in cracking down on migrant buses.
Last month, Mayor Tim Baldermann signed an executive order prohibiting unscheduled buses in the southwest suburb. The village board voted on the ordinance Monday night and passed the resolution unanimously.
The order requires five days' notice and an application to be completed by the bus company before dropping off all people on board over the age of 18.
Mayor Baldermann also said a background check must be completed by the bus company and approved by the village. Failure to comply would result in fines up to $5,000, and the bus would be impounded.
The mayor has emphasized that the migrant situation is a national security crisis because asylum seekers are unvetted and putting communities that lack the proper resources to care for them in a financial chokehold.
Similar ordinances and executive orders will also be considered this week in the City of Crest Hill and the Village of Oak Lawn.