South Cook News

Keith Pekau, Orland Park mayor and Republican congressional candidate for Illinois' 6th District, criticized Democratic Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot for asking for donations for migrants coming to her city from Texas.

Pekau took to Facebook to express his opinions on her statement, adding that the Chicago suburbs should also get help for taking on former Chicagoans who moved out of the city because of policies created by her administration.

"Orland Park and DuPage County would like to request aid from Mayor Lightfoot for the thousands of people who have fled into the suburbs to escape the violence, corruption and adversity she fostered in Chicago," Pekau said in a Sept. 7 Facebook post. "We're talking about human beings' lives here."

Peak's post came three days after Lightfoot made a public plea for help. 

"Chicagoans, we're asking for your help tonight in support of the migrants that just arrived here from Texas," she said in a Sept. 4 tweet. "Let's continue to be a sanctuary for the newcomers to our city, and show them we have their back."

Approximately100 migrants arrived in Chicago by bus on Aug. 31, a news release from the City said. Items requested were things like duffle bags, suitcases, hygiene kits, feminine hygiene products, backpacks, baby supplies, first aid supplies, clothing and blankets. 

Ryan Johnson, Lightoot's deputy director of Communication, announced that the City had received another group of migrants on Sept. 7. In a tweet, Johnson wrote that through a partnership with community-based organizations, the County and the State, the City was working to provide emergency shelter and connect the migrants with services they needed. 

Illinois was the first state in the country to offer free health insurance to illegal immigrants who are 65 and older, a 2021 Kaiser Health News report said. It is estimated that more than 55,000 undocumented seniors will be living in the Prairie State by 2030.

Pekau won the Republican nomination for the 6th Congressional House seat in June, Ballotpedia said. He will face incumbent Democrat Sean Casten in the November general election.