Dupage Policy Journal

On Dec. 31, a total of 11 buses carrying illegal immigrants arrived in DuPage County, raising questions about the increasing flow of migrants into the region, according to Emergency Management and Regional Security.

The last bus arriving on Dec. 31, stopped in Hinsdale with 44 migrants aboard.

The surge followed expectations and an estimated 520 illegal immigrants arrived in the area on 11 buses on Dec. 30.

Departing from various locations, including El Paso and McAllen, Texas as well as unidentified departure points, these buses carried varying passenger counts. Departure times ranged from early morning to evening.

The continuous influx of illegal immigrants has prompted local authorities and communities to address the logistical and humanitarian challenges associated with the arrivals.

As DuPage County grapples with this ongoing issue, there is growing attention on the broader implications and the need for coordinated responses to manage the impact on local communities.

Also on Dec. 30, a busload of illegal immigrants, mistakenly informed they had arrived in Chicago, were dropped off at a Kankakee County gas station, prompting a response from local law enforcement on Thursday morning.

The incident involved approximately 30–40 people, some of whom began walking on the highway wrapped in blankets. Authorities, including Kankakee police, the Sheriff's Office, and Illinois State Police, intervened, discovering that the bus had initiated its journey in El Paso, Texas.

The passengers, originating from Venezuela, were left without resources, misled about their location, and in need of essential items. Law enforcement arranged transportation to Midway Airport for those remaining at the gas station, and ongoing efforts are underway to identify those responsible for abandoning the individuals.

Due to concerns about potential future incidents, Kankakee County filed an Emergency Declaration with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.

On Dec. 31, in the early hours of Sunday morning, a private Boeing 777 carrying approximately 350 illegal immigrants landed at Chicago Rockford International Airport, marking the second instance of Texas sending a private aircraft with undocumented individuals to Illinois.

Following the landing, the passengers boarded eight buses coordinated by the Texas Department of Emergency Management. 

WGN-TV reported that these buses, escorted by Winnebago County sheriff's deputies, headed towards the McHenry County line.

From there, migrants were dropped off in various suburbs en route to Chicago, utilizing trains and other means of transportation to complete their journey into the city.

The City of Rockford announced its preparedness to activate the local emergency operations center in the event of additional flights, emphasizing the need for coordinated logistics and planning to ensure safety.

Originating from Texas, Governor Greg Abbott constantly sends migrant-filled buses to cities he designates as sanctuaries.

Approximately 75,500 migrants have been transported to six cities, including Chicago, since April 2022, as reported by the governor's office.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration has clashed with fellow Democrat Gov. J.B. Pritzker over winter housing for migrants.

Pritzker, a Biden ally, has urged action on border issues and federal funding, citing the strain on the state's resources during discussions with the president.