Dupage Policy Journal

In response to a query about its policies on the housing and transportation of undocumented immigrants, the municipality of Bensenville clarified that it had enacted an ordinance in December prohibiting migrant buses from making unannounced stops within city limits. The ordinance was officially adopted on Dec. 12, 2023.

The ordinance states, "Unscheduled intercity buses are attempting to stop unannounced at various times, on different days and at multiple locations near and around the Village to unload dozens of passengers."

The ordinance was passed and approved, and signed off on by Village President Frank DeSimone and Village Clerk Nancy Quinn. It mandates that bus operators must submit an application to the city’s police department five days prior to any passenger drop-off and restricts these drop-offs to between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The legislation also stipulates a $750 fine per passenger.

Recently, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson appealed for assistance from suburban mayors regarding the city’s crisis with undocumented immigrants.

Burr Ridge's Gary Grasso said of Johnson, "He’s asking us all for support, calling out the federal government." In an interview with NBC Chicago, Grasso stated that Johnson specifically requested support for increased funding needs such as shelter services for migrants, as well as backing Johnson's demand from Washington.

Glen Ellyn Village President Mark Senak recently disclosed during the League of Women Voters Glen Ellyn 2024 State of the Village Annual Meeting on Jan. 26 that his community had been offered an $11 million state grant to facilitate the permanent resettlement of undocumented immigrants. According to previous reports by DuPage Policy Journal, this information came after State Rep. Terra Costa Howard (D-Glen Ellyn) informed the village about available funds for this purpose.

Concerns have been raised following reports that over 34,000 undocumented immigrants have arrived in Illinois since mid-2022, thereby intensifying calls for more robust border control measures. Last fall, Illinois allocated $42.5 million in grant funds for municipalities to house undocumented immigrants. As of last fall, Lake County, Elgin, Oak Park, Urbana and Chicago had received state grant funds to assist with housing and other needs. In total, the state has earmarked $500 million for the care of undocumented immigrants, as reported by Capitol News Illinois.