Chicago City Wire

As the festive season unfolds, concerns are escalating in Chicago regarding the city's "sanctuary city" ordinance. Critics argue that the provision of housing and benefits to undocumented immigrants is overshadowing the pressing needs of the local homeless population. Audrey Barrett, a candidate for the 26th District House, has publicly expressed frustration over this situation, drawing attention to the predicament of over one million Americans who will spend Christmas without shelter or a warm meal.

Barrett expressed dismay, drawing attention to the apparent disparities in assistance between American homeless individuals and illegal immigrants.

Barrett articulated her concerns, stating, "This Christmas, over one million Americans will sleep in the cold without a meal. No Christmas tree or gifts. Just a light blanket fighting the cold weather and the snow. These Americans have exhausted all resources to receive help from our government and many are with young children and the politicians look the other way to solve this national crisis."

She further critiqued liberal Democrats for their stance on immigration.

"Instead, with welcome arms, they are pushing illegal immigration at 100,000 every single month. Immediately on arrival they are classified as homeless and by Executive Order, are entitled to $1,500.00 gift cards every month. They are provided housing, medical, food, clothing and other benefits."

Barrett questioned this approach. 

"Yet these immigrants have not paid one penny for taxes and entitled to 500% more benefits than our American homeless. How can this be?"

She pointed out that even within immigrant communities there is discontent.

"Even our Latino population is up in arms. 84% of these immigrants are coming south of Mexico; the rest are coming from Africa, Europe, Middle East and China. Many of these illegal immigrants are males and are of military age."

"This is a threat to the State of Illinois and our National Security."

"To date, the U.S. spent in 2023 alone 453 billion dollars to care for and treat these immigrants. The American homeless only received 122 million. Is this fair?"

"Is this America? Chicago spends 50 million every month to care for and house these immigrants. The State of Illinois equals this with 124 million every month. The Illinois legislature passed a law to provide the immigrants with 550 million dollars of Medicaid healthcare benefits for 2023."

"When elected, it shall be my policy to pass legislation to block any benefits for any immigrants that entered the United States illegally until Americans are cared for first. We are all human and should help others when they are in need, However, a Pandora’s box was opened, and now it’s time to be closed."

“No parent should ever have to explain to their child why they cannot deliver to them their next meal or right now, a Christmas because of circumstances such as job loss or a health situation preventing them from working or collecting a paycheck or worse, the loss of their home in this economy.”

“I support my fellow Americans and their families, and I will be your voice and representation for the rights entitled to you. It’s time that all Americans deserve to be off the streets with a warm meal and a place called home for Christmas. God bless you!”

“PLEASE DONATE TO YOUR LOCAL FOOD PANTRY OR HELP OTHERS IN NEED THIS YEAR INCLUDING THOSE THAT ARE HOMELESS!”

Meanwhile, community activist Pat Gibbons has emerged as a vocal advocate for repealing the sanctuary city ordinance in Chicago. Gibbons, addressing a press conference, decried the growing wealth gap, increasing poverty, and the disappearance of blue-collar job opportunities. He emphasized the urgency of prioritizing the city’s constituents and addressing the alarming rate of homelessness, particularly among children, before extending assistance to migrants.

“We have homeless that are not taken care of, sleeping under viaducts, sleeping on CTA busses, trains,” Gibbons stated. "It’s horrible. What’s going on? We have a 23% homeless rate among children in the city of Chicago. This is before over 20,000 migrants came into the city of Chicago. The fact is, our politicians, local politicians have no clue what they’re doing. They have no clue what they’re doing. They have to take care of their own constituents, their own people before you take care of anybody from the outside.”

Gibbons criticized local politicians for their alleged lack of understanding and commitment to addressing the needs of Chicago’s homeless population.

The debate surrounding Chicago's sanctuary city policy continues to intensify as activists, candidates like Barrett and community members like Gibbons call for a reassessment of priorities in ensuring welfare for all residents.

South side native Barrett, a single mother of three children, is CEO and Founder of Kingdom 4U Health and Wellness. She is also a nurse specializing in pediatric home healthcare and works as a nurse manager. 

"Barrett’s efforts have shifted in focus as a result of the scarcity of voices in our legislature who can empathize with those who are struggling. Crime, education, the drug crisis, and a lack of access to healthcare are the problems wreaking havoc on our communities and ones she cares deeply about." according to her campaign website.

The 26th House District, which Barrett aims to represent, is located entirely within Chicago and includes neighborhoods such as Bronzeville, Downtown, Gold Coast, and Hyde Park. It is currently represented by State Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago).