Will County Gazette

In response to reports of buses attempting to drop off illegal immigrants in Will County, New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann signed an executive order on Dec. 22 to tighten regulations on intercity buses making unscheduled stops in the town.

Baldermann emphasized that such buses would be prohibited from leaving passengers in New Lenox.

"Many have asked about our plans for the buses that have been attempting drop-offs in Will County of migrants from Texas... As is the case when national issues arise, we make decisions based on facts, not political opinions,” New Lenox Mayor Tim Balderman said, according to Patch.

“We are making this decision based on our resources, or lack thereof. Buses will not be allowed to drop off migrants in our community.”

The executive order mandates operators of intercity buses apply for permission to drop off passengers at least five days in advance.

In addition, background checks on all passengers over the age of 18 must be conducted, and the results provided to the police when requested.

Each application must include an order authorizing passenger transfer, signed by the head of the associated public body, and must be approved by New Lenox Police Chief Louis Alessandrini.

The order specifies that drivers may only arrive within a 30-minute window before and after designated times, which must be between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays, with no stops allowed on weekends or village holidays.

Drivers found unloading passengers outside the designated window face a $750 fine per passenger.

Any buses in violation may be impounded, and drivers issued a $5,000 administrative penalty.

These measures aim to address concerns about unannounced illegal immigrant drop-offs, ensuring a coordinated and regulated approach to protect the community's resources and well-being.

New Lenox’s action is similar to those ratified in Tinley Park and Cicero.

Tinley Park’s ordinance, passed on Dec. 19, empowers police to take immediate actions against drivers with the Chief of Police authorized to pursue criminal charges against unscheduled intercity bus operators and drivers endangering passenger welfare.

Additionally, Tinley Park officials have clarified penalties for hotel violations, limiting stays and imposing fines.

This action follows several instances of drop-offs of illegal immigrants in nearby communities. On Dec. 21, a bus from Texas was intercepted by authorities in Manhattan as the driver attempted to unload passengers at the Metra station.

The Manhattan Police Department, along with other law enforcement and emergency management agencies, is actively monitoring the situation, and the Village has pledged to provide additional information as it becomes available.

 Suburban police agencies across the Chicagoland area have been contending with an uptick in busloads of illegal immigrants being deposited, raising concerns about the strain on police resources.

Recent weeks have witnessed an influx of illegal immigrants arriving in municipalities such as Lockport, Joliet and other areas, prompting the Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) to outline plans for coordination with local municipalities in response to unexpected arrivals.

Facing this surge, local authorities have issued emergency orders and implemented ordinances to manage the situation.

Several suburbs, including Fox River Grove, Elmhurst and Kankakee, have witnessed unannounced drop-offs of illegal immigrants, posing challenges for local authorities.

The Aurora City Council has also approved an ordinance mandating transportation companies to provide advance notice of bus arrivals, similar to regulations in Chicago.