Kane County Reporter

Village of South Elgin President, Steve Ward, has expressed that the community currently lacks an ordinance concerning migrants. Ward underscored that the village has not experienced any problems related to this issue.

“Currently, the Village of South Elgin does not have an ordinance in place,” Ward told Kane County Reporter. “The Village has had no issues regarding this matter.”

These comments from Ward surfaced as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson sought assistance from suburban mayors to address the city’s crisis with illegal immigrants.

Burr Ridge's Mayor Gary Grasso reported Johnson's appeal for support. 

"He’s asking us all for support, calling out the federal government," Grasso said about Johnson's request. 

In a conversation with NBC Chicago, Grasso revealed that Johnson specifically asked for increased funding support for shelter and services to migrants and called for action from Washington.

Glen Ellyn Village President Mark Senak recently disclosed at the League of Women Voters Glen Ellyn 2024 State of the Village Annual Meeting on Jan. 26 that his community was offered an $11 million state grant to aid in permanently resettling illegal immigrants. According to DuPage Policy Journal, Senak informed attendees that the state proposed this substantial grant to assist with migrant settlement in Glen Ellyn. The availability of these funds was communicated by State Rep. Terra Costa Howard (D-Glen Ellyn).

In light of reports stating that over 34,000 illegal immigrants have arrived in Illinois since mid-2022, concerns have escalated leading to calls for stronger border control measures. Last fall, Illinois allocated $42.5 million in grant monies for municipalities to house illegal immigrants. Lake County, Elgin, Oak Park, Urbana and Chicago were among those who received these grants last fall to assist with housing and other needs. Overall, according to Capitol News Illinois, the state has earmarked $500 million for the care of illegal immigrants.