West Cook News

In Western Cook County, no municipalities have responded to an inquiry by West Cook News regarding their policies on illegal immigration. This includes Cicero, Western Springs, Elmwood Park, La Grange Park, Westchester, Forest Park, Northlake, Brookfield, Oak Park, Berwyn, Maywood, Melrose Park, Franklin Park, La Grange, Bellwood and Tinley Park.

The silence from the majority of Cook County’s communities coincides with a request for assistance from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in addressing the city's ongoing crisis involving illegal immigrants.

"He’s asking us all for support, calling out the federal government," Mayor Gary Grasso of Burr Ridge said in an interview with NBC Chicago.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson | https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoMayorsOffice

Grasso further noted that Johnson specifically requested support for increased funding for shelter and services for migrants. He also mentioned Johnson's demand from Washington.

Glen Ellyn Village President Mark Senak recently revealed that the community was offered an $11 million state grant to facilitate the permanent resettlement of illegal immigrants in the community. This revelation was made during the League of Women Voters Glen Ellyn 2024 State of the Village Annual Meeting on Jan. 26. Senak informed the audience that the state had offered the village the substantial grant for assisting with the settlement of migrants in Glen Ellyn. The issue was brought to light by State Rep. Terra Costa Howard (D-Glen Ellyn), who notified the village about the availability of funds for this purpose, DuPage Policy Journal reported.

Reports indicating that over 34,000 illegal immigrants have arrived in Illinois since mid-2022 have sparked concerns and amplified calls for more robust border control measures. In the fall of last year, Illinois allocated $42.5 million in grant money to municipalities to accommodate these immigrants. As per Capitol News Illinois' reportage at that time Lake County, Elgin, Oak Park Urbana and Chicago had received state grants to assist with housing and other needs. Overall, the state has allocated $500 million towards caring for illegal immigrants.