Mayor Brandon Johnson releases statement on migrant relocation

"The Daley College community has been very welcoming to the new arrivals already in residence," Johnson said.

Photo byMetin OzeronUnsplash

When hundreds of migrant families were pushed out of Texas and forced onto buses to other states, cities like Chicago promised to welcome them with open arms and attempt to assist them with shelter and resources.

However, when busloads of migrants first arrived in the city, with then-mayor Lori Lightfoot in charge, they were met with mixed feelings from residents and a few city officials. Some were open to placing migrants in unused school buildings, shelters and even police stations in various neighborhoods.

Many disapproved of the idea, voicing their concerns in meetings and hoping for solutions that both migrants and residents could benefit from.

A few weeks ago, it was announced that migrant families at the High Ridge YMCA would relocate to Daley College. That move was rescheduled to June 11. "After listening to the concerns of the community and residents, we reconsidered the timing to allow for a smoother, more welcoming transition," Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a press release on June 9.

Fortunately, according to Johnson, the Daley College community has been welcoming and migrants will still have access to education and other resources.

"To allow for a smooth transition, migrant families at the High Ridge YMCA relocating to Daley will be able to utilize similar programs offered by CPS at Hurley Elementary and receive the same services they currently receive that are offered at all City shelter locations. The Daley College community has been very welcoming to the new arrivals already in residence, and our administration is certain it will provide a warm welcome to these families as well."