Chicagoans Furious That TX Governor Playing With Migrants Lives Saying Will Send 25K More Before DNC

With capacity for only another 15K at most, Chicagoans want to know what will happen if more come; fear they will pay cost during DNC

Photo byHarrison KugleronUnsplash

CHICAGO - Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson insists that the city is fully prepared to host the upcoming Democratic National Convention. However, the expected influx of around 25,000 immigrants and asylum seekers from the U.S. southern border may challenge this preparedness.

Texas officials are vowing to continue sending migrants by bus and plane to Chicago as a way of protesting Biden's border policies. Chicago official have stated that they are keeping 5,000 city shelter beds open for arriving migrants and can activate more if they are needed.

Chicago residents are fed up with the migrant situation and the seeming lack of an organized plan for taking care of them.

"They'll have 5000 beds open but are expecting 25,000 more migrants to show up? How's that supposed to work exactly?" asked Rebecca R from Rogers Park.

Some Chicagoans are angry that local officials such as the Mayor won't simply refuse to allow more migrants in.

"I know they have to go somewhere but there are are other places besides Chicago. We've been dealing with this for years now. They've closed local facilities that we pay for for migrant housing, used other resources that should be allocated to us for migrants, and have ignored our own homeless population. It's time for the Mayor to say no more and just not allow any more in," said Jason, a long term resident of Chicago.

Despite officials revealing the safety plan for the the DNC to the city, locals are still fearful of potential problems, including possible riots.

"The Republicans will do anything to win, and now we have a bigtime shake up with Biden stepping aside and Kamala [Harris] replacing him. No one knows what to expect and now they have to figure out what to do with tons more migrants showing up?" said Jaimy, a resident of South Side Chicago. "The Mayor can welcome them but everyone knows the only concern is going to be the people at the convention. Heck, riots break out around here if a store runs out of milk. How are they going to protect us during this thing with so many more migrants creating confusion and Republicans doing whatever they can to cause trouble?

Lillliane from Chicago agreed with this assessment, saying her family is leaving town until the DNC is over. "It's the formula for disaster, a perfect storm. We're not taking any chances. Somethings bound to happen."

On Friday morning, the Secret Service distributed maps and information in areas surrounding the convention sites. The plan includes support from external law enforcement agencies to ensure that Chicago police have sufficient officers available to protect the different neighborhoods.

"We have reviewed the security plan for the DNC and remain confident. Our plan allows us to adjust for any possible scenario," said Derek Mayer, Secret Service deputy special-agent-in-charge.

As of now, the Secret Service has said there are no credible threats related to the convention.

"Yeah, great," said Derek, a resident of Humbolt Park. "There weren't any credible threats before Trump was shot either. Whenever anything goes wrong it always seems to be hindsight."

The DNC will be take place from August 19-22. It will be held at the United Center and at McCormick Place.