Will County Gazette

New Lenox Mayor Timothy Baldermann has firmly declared that the community will not accept money or establish migrant shelters, emphasizing the need to protect residents and citing concerns over national security. Baldermann issued an executive order, followed by a unanimously passed ordinance, to prohibit unscheduled bus drop-offs in the town.

“We will not accept money or set up migrant shelters in our community,” Baldermann told DuPage Policy Journal. “I issued an executive order, followed by an ordinance that passed unanimously by our board, prohibiting unscheduled bus drop offs.”

"As much we value lawful immigration and those that wish to find a better way of life in our country, the federal government’s refusal to secure our border, coupled with our governor encouraging unvetted migrants to come to our state, have turned a humanitarian crisis into a national security crisis. As mayor, I will protect our residents to the best of my ability." 

The New Lenox mayor also highlighted the limitations of resources and potential risks associated with accepting unvetted individuals. 

"We have neither the resources to take in migrants nor the inclination to welcome unvetted persons in our town. Our compassion for those that are only seeking a better way of life cannot extend to potentially putting our community at risk." 

Baldermann's comments came as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson sought assistance from suburban mayors amid the city’s illegal immigrant crisis.

Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso commented on Johnson's request for support. 

"He’s asking us all for support, calling out the federal government," Grasso said.

In an interview with NBC Chicago, Grasso said Johnson specifically asked for support in terms of increased funding, shelter provision, services for the migrants, and backing his demand from Washington.

Glen Ellyn Village President Mark Senak recently disclosed that the community was offered an $11 million state grant to facilitate the permanent resettlement of illegal immigrants. This announcement was made during the League of Women Voters Glen Ellyn 2024 State of the Village Annual Meeting on Jan. 26. Senak informed attendees that the state had proposed this substantial grant to assist with migrant settlement in Glen Ellyn. The matter came to light through State Rep. Terra Costa Howard (D-Glen Ellyn), who informed the village about available funds for this purpose, as previously reported by DuPage Policy Journal.

Concerns have been raised following reports that over 34,000 illegal immigrants have arrived in Illinois since mid-2022, intensifying calls for more robust border control measures. Last fall, Illinois allocated $42.5 million in grant monies for municipalities to house illegal immigrants. As of last fall, Lake County, Elgin, Oak Park, Urbana and Chicago had received state grants to assist with housing and other needs. In total, the state has earmarked $500 million for the care of illegal immigrants, according to Capitol News Illinois.