South Cook News

Ashley Ramos, a candidate for the 2nd Congressional District, has expressed strong disagreement with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's decision to allocate $95 million from the city's budget surplus to address the rising costs associated with the influx of thousands of undocumented migrants. She criticized the move.

“I firmly disagree with this reallocation of funds!” Ramos said on Facebook.

“This sort of money shuffling is what bankrupted Illinois in the first place. This is bad leadership, I wish I could say at it’s worse but I think Brandon Johnson and JB Pritzker would take my statement as a challenge.”

The controversial fund reallocation aims to provide care and shelter for over 15,000 migrants currently in Chicago. Since August 2022, more than 20,000 migrants have arrived in the city according to Fox News. Jason Lee, Johnson’s senior adviser, acknowledged that while these resources would assist the migrants, they wouldn't alter the city’s "unstable" migrant crisis outlook.

However, Ramos' comments reflect growing concerns among residents who feel that undocumented immigrants are receiving better treatment than existing taxpayers. The extensive public assistance from the Chicago City Council and the State of Illinois has stirred discontent within the Black community. Residents in historically Black neighborhoods have raised concerns about resource allocation and city management amidst this migrant influx. Jessica Jackson, a Chicago resident quoted Malcolm X when criticizing the council for prioritizing migrants over long-term residents and taxpayers in need: "We have been hoodwinked, run amuck, bamboozled by sitting here thinking that these Black politicians are helping us," as reported by Chicago City Wire.

Ramos resides in Bradley and has roots in Chicago Heights. After completing her education at Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School in 2005 and pursuing radiology courses at Kankakee Community College, she now works as an e-commerce specialist and is a devoted mother. Ramos also holds a notary license and CPR certification, according to her campaign website.

The 2nd Congressional District, which includes the south suburbs of Chicago, eastern Will County, most of Kankakee County and Chicago’s far southeast side, is currently represented by U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.). Kelly has held the position since 2013 and also serves as the Chair of the Illinois Democratic Party, according to Ballotpedia.