U.S. Inmigration
Chicago to Begin Evicting Migrants from Shelters on Sunday
Chicago, IL – The City of Chicago is set to commence the eviction of thousands of migrants from city and state-operated shelters starting this Sunday, a move that has sparked significant concern among advocates, local elected officials, and the migrants themselves. The decision to enforce evictions comes after multiple delays due to severe winter weather, staffing issues, and pushback from community advocates.
As of Friday, city officials have confirmed that individuals will be required to leave their current shelters by the end of April, with the first group of people being evicted this Sunday. By the end of March, migrants will be evicted, and the remaining will be phased out throughout April.
The policy to limit shelter stays to 60 days was announced last November, but its implementation has been postponed three times. Chicago has seen an influx of migrants since 2022, many of whom arrived as part of Texas Governor Greg Abbott's campaign for tighter border security. This surge has strained social services and increased the demand for housing in Chicago and other cities like Denver and New York.
Mayor Brandon Johnson's office has announced exemptions to the eviction policy, which will allow individuals to remain in shelters, potentially until the end of June. Exemptions apply to families with children under 18, those securing housing, and individuals with specific medical issues, including those quarantined due to a recent measles outbreak.
Despite these exemptions, the evictions have been met with anxiety and confusion among the migrant community. Volunteers like Erika Villegas have reported being inundated with messages from migrants uncertain about their next steps and fearful of ending up homeless.
The city's plan to assist evicted migrants has also come under criticism. Brandie Knazze, the commissioner of the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, stated that migrants would be given notices of their exit dates and would have to make their own way to a "landing zone" where staff might help them re-enter the shelter system if beds are available.
This week, a group of local elected officials and organizations sent a letter to Mayor Johnson urging an end to the 60-day eviction policy, warning that it could lead to increased homelessness and disrupt community integration.
Complicating the situation is a recent measles outbreak at one of Chicago's migrant shelters, which has prompted the city to require vaccinations for all residents entering or staying in city-operated shelters. The Chicago Department of Health has been working to contain the outbreak, assessing nearly every resident at the affected shelter and providing vaccinations.
As the city grapples with these challenges, the future for many migrants in Chicago remains uncertain. The city's approach to managing the migrant crisis continues to evolve, with officials emphasizing the need for better care for all Chicagoans while balancing limited resources.