Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson faced criticism during a special council meeting on Thursday, where residents gathered to discuss a potential referendum on the city's sanctuary status.
Accusations were made that Johnson prioritized tens of thousands of migrants from the southern border over the needs of the Black community and homeless veterans.
The meeting began with public comments, but ultimately, the council voted to adjourn without considering the resolution for a referendum. This decision sparked outrage among attendees, who felt that their voices were being ignored.
One resident, Lauren Lawrence, expressed her concerns about the sanctuary city policy. She argued that people should enter the country legally and criticized the practice of transporting migrants to neighborhoods, which she claimed led to an increase in crime. Lawrence also pointed out that funds earmarked for the Black communities on the West and South Sides of Chicago had not been delivered, despite promises from Mayor Johnson.
Lawrence specifically addressed Mayor Johnson, stating that many people had supported him but now felt let down. She referred to an executive order signed by Johnson on his first day in office, which established a "deputy mayor for immigrant, migrant, and refugee rights." Lawrence questioned whether this decision was fair to the communities that had been waiting for assistance for years.
While Lawrence emphasized that she was not against legal immigration, she argued that those who entered the country illegally should not receive preferential treatment over lawful Chicagoans, including veterans and the homeless. She called for the neglected communities to be taken care of and emphasized the importance of having a voice in the decision-making process.
Alderman Anthony Beale also expressed his disappointment with the council's decision to adjourn without considering the referendum. He accused Mayor Johnson and other councilors of being afraid of the truth and the potential backlash from voters. Beale questioned whether the city was spending money frivolously and criticized the allocation of funds to individuals who did not pay taxes or live in Chicago.
Beale highlighted the challenges faced by his community, including high crime rates and struggling schools. He argued that resources should be directed towards the people who had been paying taxes their entire lives and were in need of basic necessities like furnaces and roofs. Beale concluded by stating that it was unconscionable to vote on allocating hundreds of millions of dollars while neglecting the needs of the community.
The meeting also touched on the issue of migrants arriving in Chicago from the southern border. According to data from the City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications, over 25,000 people have arrived in the city since August 2022. The data shows that the majority of these individuals arrived via "Texas buses," which have been criticized by Democrats who argue that Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott's busing operation is transporting migrants to sanctuary jurisdictions.
However, the city's data dashboard only includes information on migrants arriving by plane since June 2023, with 4,252 individuals seeking asylum in Chicago during that time. It is important to note that besides Governor Abbott's efforts, the federal government also relocates migrants from the border to various locations across the country.
Alderman Beale concluded his remarks by calling for change and demanding that resources be allocated to address the needs of the community. He criticized the council for turning their backs on the taxpayers of Chicago and expressed his hope that they would reflect on their decisions.
The council's decision to adjourn without considering the referendum vote has left many residents feeling unheard and frustrated. The debate surrounding Chicago's sanctuary status continues, with concerns raised about the allocation of resources and the impact on the Black community and homeless veterans.
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