Chicago City Wire

Opposition from numerous residents did not stop this week's approval by the Chicago City Council of an additional $51 million to deal with an influx of migrants.

During Wednesday's Chicago City Council meeting, officials voted on a proposal that allocated $51 million in additional funding to address the migrant crisis facing the city. But many residents have criticized the proposal saying that the money should be used for its own citizens.

As a Sanctuary City, Chicago has seen more than 8,200 migrants coming into the city within the last 10 months and is now running out of space and resources to house them. According to Block Club Chicago, the proposal for additional funding passed with a vote of 34-13 in favor, and aid will likely only last through June. 

"I understand that there is a great deal of energy and positions here, and my hope is that this opportunity for individuals who wish to speak this morning, that we will respect their ability and their position," Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said to open the meeting to public comment. "It’s also important as we move forward, that as individuals wish to signify or an amen corner, I would ask that you do it with some level of decorum. I believe that we can have public discourse without demonstrating the worst part of our debates."

Several residents criticized the decision saying that city is ignoring its own residents in favor of migrants. Andre Smith, CEO of Chicago Against Violence, spoke about the impact of unauthorized immigrants on his community and indicated that the money should go toward the City of Chicago Reparations order, which would pay reparations to the city's Black residents.

"I also stopped the migrant bus going to Wadsworth and was arrested with my friend Tyrone Muhammed. How dare this mayor and city council have the guts to give migrants $51 million dollars?" Smith said at the meeting. "I demand you to have the same passion and urgency to pass the City of Chicago Reparations order and also give us an office for Black Americans, just like the new Americans."

Smith urged the council to move forward on reparations for Black Americans. 

"We didn’t have the luxury or the opportunity to cross the border. We didn’t have the privilege to cross the border, and you gave migrants $51 million dollars? Have you forgotten who you are?" Smith asked. "I urge you to get conscious, to realize who you are. Our ancestors are looking at us and holding us accountable. Don’t say you’re Black if you’re not gonna put your pen where your mouth is. Pass the ordinance for the city of Chicago reparations."