In Chicago, a long-standing activist, George Blakemore, has voiced strong opposition to the city’s handling of the migrant crisis, calling for former President Donald Trump to intervene and “clean up this mess.” Blakemore, 81, known for his regular attendance at public meetings across the city, made these remarks during a city council hearing discussing the potential ballot inclusion of Chicago’s sanctuary city status in March.
Blakemore’s comments come amid the arrival of over 26,000 migrants in Chicago in the past year, with approximately 14,000 currently housed in shelters. The influx, partly a result of Texas Governor Greg Abbott sending migrants from his state to northern Democrat-run cities, has put a strain on Chicago’s resources. The situation worsened with the recent death of a five-year-old boy in a cold and damp shelter and many migrants seeking refuge in places like O’Hare airport and police station lobbies.
At the city council meeting, Blakemore, who is African American, expressed his frustration with the current migrant policy, stating, “I am anti-illegal immigrant. Send them all back across the Rio Grande.” He criticized the impact of the migrant influx on the African American community, questioning the city’s priorities and calling for action against illegal immigration.
Another activist, Lorraine Lawrence, echoed Blakemore’s sentiments, arguing against the sanctuary city status and highlighting the unfairness to those who have waited years to enter the U.S. legally. However, not all voices at the meeting were in agreement. Nelly Musajeva, a neurobiology student, and Miwa Shimokogawa, a graphic designer and activist, advocated for maintaining the sanctuary city status, citing safety and fairness concerns.
Despite the heated debate, the council voted 31-16 against putting the sanctuary city status question on the March primary ballot. Mayor Brandon Johnson had instructed his team to prevent the referendum, leading to criticism from Alderman Anthony Beale, who accused the Democrat leadership of avoiding public scrutiny.
The city of Chicago, grappling with the challenges of accommodating the influx of migrants, expects to spend $300 million this year on related expenses. The situation has sparked a backlash from residents as public facilities are used to house newcomers, and concerns grow with the onset of winter.
The debate over sanctuary city status and the migrant crisis in Chicago reflects the broader national conversation on immigration policy and the challenges faced by cities in managing such situations.