South Cook News

In a firm position against the resettlement of illegal immigrants within Orland Park, Mayor Keith Pekau has confirmed that the village will not accept state funds allocated for such purposes. He stressed that Orland Park does not identify itself as a sanctuary community, reinforcing its commitment to adhering to existing laws governing illegal immigration.

“We have not received any direct contact from state reps,” Pekau told South Cook News. “We will not be taking funding or migrants. We passed an ordinance stating that we are not a sanctuary city and will follow Federal Immigration Laws.”

Pekau's statement follows recent revelations by Glen Ellyn Village President Mark Senak that his community was offered an $11 million state grant to facilitate the permanent resettlement of illegal immigrants. Senak made this disclosure during the League of Women Voters Glen Ellyn 2024 State of the Village Annual Meeting on Jan. 26.

"So you understand what I believe that $11 million is for us to have migrants come to Glen Ellyn and locate here and settle here and remain here, and what that would entail to accomplish that," Senak said.

According to DuPage Policy Journal, State Rep. Terra Costa Howard (D-Glen Ellyn) brought this issue to light by informing the village about the availability of funds for this purpose.

The surge in illegal immigrants in the area has prompted Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to seek assistance from suburban areas with the city’s crisis involving illegal immigrants.

"He’s asking us all for support, calling out the federal government," Burr Ridge’s Mayor Gary Grasso told NBC Chicago.

Grasso also mentioned that Johnson specifically requested increased funding support for sheltering migrants and providing necessary services, along with aid from the federal government.

That plea is a response to a rise in drop-offs of illegal immigrants in the Chicagoland area starting December 2023. Concerns have escalated due to reports indicating over 34,000 illegal immigrants have arrived in Illinois since mid-2022. This urgency has intensified calls for stronger border control measures. Last fall, Illinois allocated $42.5 million in grant funds to municipalities for housing and supporting illegal immigrants. Lake County, Elgin, Oak Park, Urbana, and Chicago were among the recipients. In total, the state has set aside $500 million for the care of illegal immigrants, according to Capitol News Illinois.

During a Hinsdale Village Board meeting last month where drop-offs were prohibited, officials reported being informed by a bus driver that such instances were expected to continue through March. The frequency of daily drop-offs throughout the state has varied, often exceeding 10 instances. At times, the number of people being dropped off per day is nearly 800, as per another report from DuPage Policy Journal.