Mayor Brandon Johnson's new ''migrant tents'' plan may have some issues

Photo byBrandon for Chicago

Mayor Brandon Johnson unveiled a new plan to solve the migrant crisis in Chicago. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, under the new plan, approximately 1,600 migrants would be relocated from police stations to winterized base camps with massive tents.

The Sun-Times article states that during an interview with Johnson, he revealed how many migrants could fit in each tent. "The tent structures he envisions could hold up to 1,000 migrants," but half of that number would be ideal. There would be meals and educational resources provided, and the plan's mission is to provide support for migrants and to halt potential "chaos" before it even happens.

However, there could be issues with this potential solution.

• How can tents keep migrants warm during negative-degree Chicago weather in the winter?

Chicago winters can be unbearable--sometimes reaching dangerous temperatures that closed down schools and businesses before. So, how will migrants stay warm in tents? There are warming centers, but those usually aren't open 24/7.

• In his interview with the Sun-Times, Johnson declined to say where tents will be built.

Chicago is the third largest city, and there's room for lots of people to live, but what neighborhoods will these tents be placed in? How will these neighborhoods be chosen? With many low-income, poverty and violence-filled areas, the locations might be problematic for residents and migrants.

• He also didn't mention specifics on costs.

Apparently, the migrant crisis is already costing Chicago almost $30 million a month. Will these proposed camps and tents be cheaper or cost more? Where will the money to fund this plan come from?

With more migrants expected to arrive, this is a crisis in urgent need of an effective solution. Johnson is concerned with the lack of resources for migrants turning into "chaos," which is one of the reasons for this new plan. Yet, we'll have to wait and see.