North Cook News

In the northern region of Cook County, several municipalities have declined to comment on their policies regarding illegal immigration. These include Wilmette, Park Ridge City, Evanston, Lincolnwood, Hoffman Estates, Glenview, Streamwood, Morton Grove, Elk Grove, Winnetka, Niles, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Prospect Heights, Palatine, Des Plaines, Northbrook, Skokie, Schaumburg, Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Bartlett and Barrington Hills.

Bensenville was the only municipality that responded to a request for comment. According to the DuPage Policy Journal, Bensenville has enacted an ordinance that prohibits unscheduled migrant buses from making stops within city limits. The ordinance requires operators to submit applications five days in advance for passenger drop-offs restricted to specific times on weekdays. This measure is intended to address unannounced bus stops made to unload passengers. Non-compliance will result in fines.

This reluctance by most communities to discuss their immigration policies comes after Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson requested assistance from suburban mayors in dealing with the city's illegal immigrant crisis.

The Village of Bensenville was the only municipality that responded to a request for comment regarding illegal immigration. | https://www.bensenville.il.us/

"He's asking us all for support," Gary Grasso of Burr Ridge said during an interview with NBC Chicago. He was referring to Johnson's call for aid from the federal government.

Grasso also mentioned that Johnson specifically asked for increased funding for shelter and services for migrants and demanded support from Washington.

Mark Senak recently disclosed that his community of Glen Ellyn was offered an $11 million state grant to facilitate the permanent resettlement of illegal immigrants. Senak is the Village President of Glen Ellyn. This information was revealed during the League of Women Voters Glen Ellyn 2024 State of the Village Annual Meeting on Jan. 26. Senak informed attendees that the state had offered this substantial grant to assist with migrant settlement in Glen Ellyn. State Rep. Terra Costa Howard (D-Glen Ellyn) brought the issue to light by notifying the village about the availability of these funds, DuPage Policy Journal reported.

Concerns have been raised following reports that over 34,000 illegal immigrants have arrived in Illinois since mid-2022. This has added urgency to calls for stronger border control measures. Last fall, Illinois allocated $42.5 million in grant money for municipalities to house illegal immigrants. As of last fall, Lake County, Elgin, Oak Park, Urbana and Chicago had received grant funds from the state to assist with housing and other needs. According to Capitol News Illinois, overall, the state has allocated $500 million for the care of illegal immigrants.