Chicago City Wire

A photo depicting a heavily crowded hallway within Chicago's 22nd District police station has raised concerns about the current state of law enforcement and facilities in the city.

The image was shared by Dan Proft, the host of Chicago's Morning Answer radio show, who expressed dismay over the situation.

The photo, posted by Proft on X, captured a packed hallway at the 22nd District police station, located on the South Side of Chicago.

“Picture from inside the slumber party at Chicago Police's 22nd district station on the South Side,” Proft said on X.

“This is what happens when you play press release politics taking feel-good positions you never think you'll be tested to actually back up. When beautiful lies meet the real world.”

Although the use of police stations to accommodate illegal immigrants was initially intended as a temporary measure, numerous illegal immigrants have been residing in police stations for several months, as the city's shelters have reached their full capacity.

The photo's revelation has sparked discussions about the challenges faced by Chicago's police officers and the state of facilities they work in.

It also raises questions about the city's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents and the effectiveness of its policing strategies.

Around 1,600 illegal immigrants are sheltering at police stations across the city, according to WTTW.

“The conditions actually have worsened from the beginning of my journey back in April,” volunteer Erika Villegas told WTTW. “But there are stations where we do have collaboration from police officers and unfortunately, we do have stations where we have very (little) or no cooperation, which has resulted in some of the (conflicts) that have just happened recently.”

In late August, Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara documented the conditions within police stations, revealing instances of severe overcrowding and overflowing garbage within these facilities.