South Cook News

In the southern region of Cook County, numerous municipalities have declined to comment on their policies concerning illegal immigration. This comes in response to an inquiry from South Cook News, with Country Club Hills, Evergreen Park, Justice, Harvey, Dolton, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Lansing, Richton Park, Alsip, Oak Forest, South Holland, Calumet City, Chicago Heights, Homewood, Burbank, Blue Island, Palos Hills, Hazel Crest, Bridgeview, Matteson, Lemont and Steger among those refusing to disclose their stance on the ongoing immigration crisis.

Only Orland Park from the south Cook County communities responded to South Cook News' request for comment. The Village of Orland Park has reportedly passed an ordinance confirming its position as a non-sanctuary city and pledged full cooperation with federal immigration laws and agencies.

Mayor Keith Pekau highlighted the necessity of this ordinance in ensuring compliance with U.S. law. He criticized state and local measures that contradict federal legislation and underscored the significant financial burden imposed by illegal immigration on Illinois and the nation.

"Here in Illinois," Pekau said at a Village Board meeting,"the governor and the mayor of Chicago keep asking the federal government for money. Here in Illinois we spend over $3.8 billion per year on illegal immigration: housing; medical education; illegal police."

Pekau continued his remarks by noting that this figure does not include "the over $1 billion on the current immigration and migrant crisis." He pointed out that "the governor has issued his 18th 30-day migrant disaster declaration," drawing parallels between this situation and Covid-19's ongoing state of emergency.

The reluctance to discuss policy among these communities comes as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson requested assistance from suburban mayors regarding the city’s illegal immigrant crisis.

Burr Ridge’s Mayor Gary Grasso spoke about Johnson's appeal during an interview with NBC Chicago. 

"He’s asking us all for support, calling out the federal government," Grasso said. 

He added that Johnson specifically requested increased funding, shelter, and services for migrants.

Glen Ellyn Village President Mark Senak recently disclosed that the community was offered an $11 million state grant to facilitate the permanent resettlement of illegal immigrants in the community. According to DuPage Policy Journal, this revelation was made during the League of Women Voters Glen Ellyn 2024 State of the Village Annual Meeting on Jan. 26. Senak informed attendees that State Rep. Terra Costa Howard (D-Glen Ellyn) had notified the village about these funds' availability.

Concerns have been raised following reports that over 34,000 illegal immigrants have arrived in Illinois since mid-2022, amplifying calls for more robust border control measures. Last fall, Illinois allocated $42.5 million in grant monies for municipalities to house illegal immigrants. As reported by Capitol News Illinois, Lake County, Elgin, Oak Park, Urbana and Chicago have already received state grants to assist with housing and other needs related to immigration. Overall, the state has allocated $500 million for the care of illegal immigrants.