Dupage Policy Journal

Village of Roselle Mayor David Pileski has clarified that the community has not received any requests from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson or Governor Pritzker regarding the city's illegal immigration crisis. Pileski also highlighted a crucial aspect of Roselle's position – as a non-home rule municipality, the village believes it lacks the legal authority to approve ordinances that impose certain restrictions or regulations related to the migrant issue.

“The Village has not received any requests from Chicago Mayor Johnson or Governor Pritzker,” Pileski told DuPage Policy Journal. “Furthermore, as a non-home rule municipality, the Village does not believe it has the legal authority to approve ordinances imposing certain restrictions/regulations related to this issue.”

These comments by Pileski come in response to Mayor Brandon Johnson's appeal for assistance from suburban mayors concerning Chicago’s illegal immigrant crisis.

Burr Ridge’s Gary Grasso spoke about Johnson's plea for support. 

"He’s asking us all for support, calling out the federal government," Grasso said In an interview with NBC Chicago.

Mark Senak, Glen Ellyn Village President, recently disclosed that his community was offered an $11 million state grant aimed at facilitating the permanent resettlement of illegal immigrants. This announcement 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 them about available funds for this purpose.

This news comes amid reports indicating that over 34,000 illegal immigrants have arrived in Illinois since mid-2022. These statistics have heightened calls for more robust border control measures. Last fall saw Illinois allocating $42.5 million in grant monies for municipalities housing illegal immigrants. As of last fall Lake County, Elgin, Oak Park, Urbana and Chicago had received grant funds from the state to assist with housing and other needs. In total, the state has allocated $500 million for the care of illegal immigrants, according to Capitol News Illinois.