Democrat-run Chicago begins evicting illegal immigrants from housing shelters

Chicago authorities began evicting illegal immigrants from shelters on Sunday as the city aims to reduce the number of individuals being housed due to an unsustainable strain on resources. 

Of the nearly 11,000 individuals currently residing in 23 shelters across Chicago overseen by Democrat Mayor Brandon Johnson, 34 of them were evicted on Sunday, according to the New York Times. The process to remove individuals from these shelters is planned to occur gradually, with 2,000 people expected to be removed by the end of April. 

Johnson said of the evictions, “By encouraging resettlement while also providing case-specific extensions with a focus on health and safety, we are advancing a pathway to stability and self-sufficiency.” 

The move comes as the city grapples with accommodating a staggering influx of illegal immigrants, with over 37,000 arrivals recorded since August 2022. 

While the evictions are anticipated to intensify in the coming weeks, concerns linger regarding the fate of those removed. If the city refuses to investigate who is here illegally and ultimately deport them, Chicago’s actions could simply result in more illegal immigrants homeless on its streets.  

“There is a lot of fear there will be people in the streets,” said Annie Gomberg of the volunteer group People’s Shelter Response, per the Times. 

Chicago’s decision to decrease the number of illegal immigrants in shelters follows in the footsteps of many large US cities doing the same. Denver recently announced the closure of four shelters as part of efforts to alleviate budgetary pressures, saving an estimated $60 million in city expenses. 

“What we have been doing actively is working with nonprofits day and night to help families secure housing,” said Jon Ewing, a spokesman for Denver Human Services. 

“But we don’t have resources to do this forever, and the nonprofits don’t either,” he said. “It’s very, very important to keep the numbers down.” 

Denver's approach also included asking rental property owners to prioritize renting to illegal immigrants, even with concerns that these individuals may not be able to pay rent.