Dupage Policy Journal

In DuPage County, numerous municipalities have declined to respond to a DuPage Policy Journal inquiry concerning their policies on illegal immigration. Municipalities that refrained from disclosing their stance on the issue include Aurora, Batavia, Darien, Elmhurst, Geneva, Naperville, Oakbrook Terrace, St. Charles, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, Wood Dale, Addison, Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Bolingbrook, Burr Ridge, Carol Stream, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove and several others.

Only four municipalities in DuPage County responded to requests for information regarding their policies on illegal immigrants.

According to a recent report by the DuPage Policy Journal, Bensenville has enacted an ordinance prohibiting unscheduled migrant buses from making stops within city limits. The ordinance requires operators to submit applications five days in advance for passenger drop-offs restricted to specific times on weekdays. This move is aimed at addressing the issue of buses attempting unannounced stops to unload passengers. Non-compliance results in fines.

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Mayor Eileen Phipps of the Village of Wayne stated that her community has no plans to accept illegal immigrants due to insufficient resources. She highlighted the lack of facilities such as bus or train depots and hotels or motels for housing.

"We do not currently have any ordinances in place as we have no available resources to house migrants," Phipps said.

Mayor David Pileski of the Village of Roselle confirmed that neither Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson nor Governor Pritzker have made any requests regarding the city’s illegal immigration crisis to his community.

"The Village has not received any requests from Chicago Mayor Johnson or Governor Pritzker," Pileski said.

Pileski added that as a non-home rule municipality, Roselle does not believe it has the legal authority to approve ordinances imposing certain restrictions related to this issue. He further explained that Roselle believes it lacks the legal authority to enact ordinances pertaining to the migrant issue.

New Lenox Mayor Timothy Baldermann firmly rejected the idea of accepting money or establishing migrant shelters in his community. He cited concerns over national security and limitations in resources as reasons for his stance. According to him, he issued an executive order, followed by an ordinance that was unanimously passed by the board, prohibiting unscheduled bus drop-offs.

"We will not accept money or set up migrant shelters in our community," Baldermann said.

Baldermann emphasized the need to protect residents and highlighted the risks associated with accepting unvetted individuals amid a humanitarian crisis turned national security concern.

The reluctance of most DuPage County communities to discuss their policies comes as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson requested help from suburban mayors with the city’s illegal immigrant crisis. As Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso noted during an interview with NBC Chicago, Johnson specifically asked for support for needs in increased funding, shelter services for migrants, and Johnson’s demand from Washington.

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