South Cook News

In the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies and the responsibility of suburban communities, Tinley Park Mayor Michael Glotz has reaffirmed his stance, emphasizing the importance of legal immigration. His comments come in response to a request for support from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson regarding the city’s immigration crisis.

“We do not plan to honor their request,” Glotz told South Cook News. “I have provided my two executive orders, which I signed along with our ordinances that shortly followed.”

“We will continue to protect the safety of our community. Anyone who comes to the United States should do so properly and legally.”

The increasing number of undocumented immigrants in the area has prompted Johnson to seek assistance from suburban areas with the city’s immigration crisis.

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

Grasso also noted that Johnson specifically requested support for increased funding for shelter and services for migrants. According to him, Johnson also asked them to help him with his appeal for assistance from the federal government.

Earlier, Glotz issued an executive announcement limiting inter-city bus traffic in the municipality. The executive order mandated a five-day notice for incoming buses and allowed for a $750 fine per passenger.

“Any operator of an unscheduled intercity bus that attempts to or does in fact load/unload passengers without an approved application shall be subject to a $750.00 fine per passenger upon the intercity bus operator,” the order reads.

Glen Ellyn Village President Mark Senak recently revealed during the League of Women Voters Glen Ellyn 2024 State of the Village Annual Meeting on Jan. 26 that his community was offered an $11 million state grant to facilitate the permanent resettlement of illegal immigrants in Glen Ellyn. According to DuPage Policy Journal, this issue was brought to light by State Rep. Terra Costa Howard (D-Glen Ellyn), who notified Senak about the availability of funds for this purpose.

Reports have surfaced indicating that over 34,000 illegal immigrants have landed in Illinois since mid-2022, adding urgency to calls for stronger border control measures. Last fall, Illinois allocated $42.5 million in grant funds to municipalities including Lake County, Elgin, Oak Park, Urbana, and Chicago for housing and supporting undocumented immigrants. In total, the state has earmarked a total of $500 million for the care of undocumented immigrants, according to Capitol News Illinois.