Lake County Gazette

In the wake of an unprecedented increase in illegal immigration, Riverwoods Mayor and Village President Kristine Ford has addressed inquiries about the potential impact on her community. Ford underscored that Riverwoods has not been approached by state officials concerning funding for migrant resettlement and has not taken a position on this issue.

"The Village has not been contacted by state officials in regard to the mentioned funding, has not explored whether any of the funding should be pursued, and has not taken any stance on permanent resettling of migrants," Ford said.

Ford's remarks were made in response to Glen Ellyn Village President Mark Senak's recent revelation that his community was offered an $11 million state grant to aid in the permanent resettlement of illegal immigrants. This disclosure took place during the League of Women Voters Glen Ellyn 2024 State of the Village Annual Meeting on Jan. 26.

"So you understand what I believe that $11 million is for us to have migrants come to Glen Ellyn and locate here and settle here and remain here, and what that would entail to accomplish that," Senak said.

According to DuPage Policy Journal, Senak communicated that State Rep. Terra Costa Howard (D-Glen Ellyn) had informed the village about these funds' availability.

The question of where to accommodate the influx of illegal immigrants has led Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to seek assistance from suburban areas with the city’s immigration crisis.

"He’s asking us all for support, calling out the federal government," Burr Ridge’s Mayor Gary Grasso told NBC Chicago.

Grasso also noted that Johnson specifically requested support for increased funding, shelter, services for migrants, and federal government assistance.

This plea arises from a spike in drop-offs of illegal immigrants in the Chicagoland area starting December 2023. Concerns have grown due to reports stating over 34,000 illegal immigrants have arrived in Illinois since mid-2022. This urgency has amplified calls for stronger border control measures. Last fall, Illinois allocated $42.5 million in grant funds to municipalities for housing and supporting illegal immigrants. Lake County, Elgin, Oak Park, Urbana, and Chicago were among the recipients. In total, the state has set aside $500 million for the care of illegal immigrants, according to Capitol News Illinois.

During a recent Hinsdale Village Board meeting, where drop-offs were prohibited, officials received information from a bus driver that these incidents are likely to continue until March. The daily frequency of drop-offs across the state has varied, sometimes exceeding 10 instances. Additionally, the number of individuals being dropped off occasionally reaches up to 800 people per day, as reported by DuPage Policy Journal.