According to reports, at least 8,500 migrants from Latin America have been bussed to the Windy City since August 2020. The situation has become so dire that former Mayor Lori Lightfoot declared a state of emergency on May 9. Her successor, Brandon Johnson, has pledged to find a solution to the crisis.
"We don’t want our story to be told that we were unable to house the unhoused or provide a safe harbor for those who are seeking refuge here, because there’s enough room for everyone in the city of Chicago," he said. "Whether you are seeking asylum or you are looking for a fully funded neighborhood, we don’t want our story to say that we did not invest in all of the people and all of the communities that make our city great."
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However, the situation remains dire, with nearly 800 migrants currently staying at police stations across the city, according to a police source. This has put a strain on officers who are trying to carry out their daily law enforcement duties. "It's not fair to the police. It's not fair to migrants," said 38th Ward Alderman Nick Sposato.
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Independent photojournalist Rebecca Brannon shared footage of the situation on social media, calling it a "humanitarian crisis." Her video shows rows of mattresses lining the floor of police stations, with adults and children sleeping on them.
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In one clip, people are seen sitting on the floor in a vestibule, snacking and scrolling their phones, with stacks of belongings piled up around them. Outside the station, some people rest on blankets on the concrete. Others mill about. Food, boxes, suitcases, and other items are shown in corners and along walls.
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