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City moved all asylum-seekers out of one police station and into shelters during the weekend

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Illinois

* Alice Yin and Nell Salzman at the Tribune…

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration cleared all asylum-seekers from the one of the city’s most crowded police stations over the weekend, a significant move that symbolizes his ongoing pivot on how to handle the humanitarian crisis as winter approaches.

The 18th District station at Division and Larrabee streets was “decompressed” Saturday as part of the city’s efforts to move the migrant population from police stations to brick-and-mortar shelters, Johnson’s spokesman Ronnie Reese said Monday. […]

Still, as of Monday afternoon, about 1,600 individuals remained camped out among another 20 police districts, while belongings inside the Near North station and the cluster of tents that had dotted the sidewalks outside were gone. Whether the results at the 18th District will last hinges on whether the city can keep up with the ongoing — albeit slower — volume of buses from U.S. southern states, among other factors.

One wonders what will happen if people try to go back to the station. That’s often been the case once the new arrivals have experienced the conditions at shelters.

* Meanwhile…

Utilizing a new provision quietly included as part of Johnson’s 2024 budget that sailed through the City Council last Wednesday, Johnson and his team plan to fine intercity buses that don’t obtain approval via an application with the Chicago Department of Transportation before unloading at designated bus stands, zones or other locations. Unscheduled buses from out of town must pick up or drop off at designated sites: currently only the west side curb of South Desplaines Street south of West Polk Street, and only between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Fines will range from $2,000 to $10,000.

Go read the rest. Heck of a story, including a volunteer group saying it won’t work with the city any longer.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Nov 20, 23 @ 8:04 pm

Comments

====Migrants weren’t allowed to use inside bathrooms during the day. Chicago police turned off outside electricity, so people couldn’t charge their phones to find job opportunities and apartments — or to call their relatives.=====

Totally confused as to what the motive to turning off the electricity would be. If they want them to move on why do something to impede that? Makes no sense unless they are just being mean. Who knows. Good reporting but it would have been nice to know the answer to that question.

Comment by Been There Monday, Nov 20, 23 @ 9:06 pm
Mayor’s office hasn’t fully explained the 60 day shelter rule either. Will the city be kicking kids out of shelters? How will CPS ensure the kids are still getting to school?

Comment by Chicago Voter Monday, Nov 20, 23 @ 9:19 pm