Lake County Gazette

In response to the growing concerns surrounding illegal immigrant issues, Julie Goodman of the Village of Green Oaks’s Administrative Office recently addressed the community’s readiness and collaboration with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Goodman said the Village of Green Oaks, due to its small size and transportation limitations, has no concerns that illegal immigrants may be dropped or housed in the municipality.

"The Village of Green Oaks is a small non-home rule residential community of approximately 4,100 residents and has a small industrial and commercial area," Goodman told Lake County Gazette. 

She further clarified that "The Village owns only one institutional building which comprises the Village Hall and its administrative offices". Adding more context about the infrastructure, she stated, "There are no commuter railway or bus stations in the Village". On policy matters concerning migrants, Goodman said, "The Village has not adopted a policy to deal with the migrant issues."

“Without facilities to support persons who may show up, the Village has been in communications with the Lake County Sheriff’s office to notify the Sheriff if migrants present themselves as needing assistance," Goodman added. "Apparently, there is a plan in place through the County to provide assistance to the Village in such circumstances.”

These comments from Goodman were made following Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's plea for assistance from suburban mayors regarding the city’s illegal immigrant crisis. Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso interpreted Johnson's call as a request for support against federal government policies.

"He’s asking us all for support, calling out the federal government," Grasso said. 

In an interview with NBC Chicago, Grasso revealed that Johnson specifically sought help for increased funding needs related to sheltering migrants and other services.

Meanwhile, Glen Ellyn Village President Mark Senak disclosed during the League of Women Voters Glen Ellyn 2024 State of the Village Annual Meeting on Jan. 26 that his community was offered an $11 million state grant to aid in permanently resettling illegal immigrants. This information was initially brought forward by State Rep. Terra Costa Howard (D-Glen Ellyn), who informed the village about available funds for this purpose.

Reports indicate that over 34,000 illegal immigrants have arrived in Illinois since mid-2022, amplifying calls for stronger border control measures. Last fall, Illinois allocated $42.5 million in grant money for municipalities to accommodate illegal immigrants. As of then, Lake County, Elgin, Oak Park, Urbana and Chicago had received these state grants to assist with housing and other needs. In total, the state has allocated $500 million for the care of illegal immigrants, as reported by Capitol News Illinois.