Mayor of Chicago Warns of Potential Influx of Migrants Ahead of Democratic National Convention
As the Democratic National Convention approaches, the mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, is warning of a potential influx of migrants into the city. While previous estimates of over 20,000 migrants arriving in Chicago have been scaled back, the mayor’s administration still expects several hundred migrants to arrive ahead of the convention.
The arrivals are expected to come via bus from Texas, as confirmed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s office. The office stated, “Until President Biden and Border Czar Harris step up and do their jobs to secure the border, Texas will continue busing migrants to sanctuary cities across the country like Chicago to provide much-needed relief to our overwhelmed border towns.”
Although initial estimates were high, Andre Gordillo, the director of the New Vecinos Program, stated, “We realistically expect 750-1,000 new arrivals next week, if that.” The majority of migrants entering Chicago are being transported by the government of Texas in an effort to alleviate the economic and social burdens of illegal migration into border towns.
Beatriz Ponce de León, the Chicago deputy mayor for immigration, had previously warned of a potential 25,000 migrants arriving in the city. However, she has since walked back that prediction, stating that such a massive influx is no longer expected.
The lower numbers of expected arrivals come as a relief to city officials as Chicago prepares to host the Democratic National Convention. Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz are slated to accept the Democratic Party’s presidential and vice-presidential nominations at the convention.
The issue of illegal immigration remains a significant concern for U.S. voters, and addressing the nation’s immigration problem is a key issue for many across the country.
