A 55-year-old Chicago resident, Andre Smith, who previously faced arrest for attempting to block buses carrying migrants into the city, has voiced strong criticism against a newly approved $51 million immigrant aid package, Your Content has learned.
Smith described the situation in Chicago as chaotic and demanded a temporary pause on the city’s sanctuary status.
He argued that the influx of over 10,000 migrants since August has overwhelmed the city, and instead suggested that some of the funds should be invested in struggling black communities.
Smith also highlighted the high levels of crime in Chicago, referencing the Memorial Day weekend where 53 people were shot and 11 killed, emphasizing the need to address crime issues. Despite his arrest, Smith declared his determination to continue his fight against city officials.
Several other individuals were also arrested during protests against the decision to house migrants in former school buildings. The funding, lasting until June, aims to alleviate the crisis inherited by newly elected Mayor Brandon Johnson from his predecessor, Lori Lightfoot.
The money will be allocated for staffing, food, transportation, and legal services at temporary shelters.
While the debate surrounding the funding was racially charged, some speakers urged for a less divisive approach, emphasizing the need to support both black Chicagoans and Hispanic migrants.
The Chicago Republican Party chairman, Steve Boulton, criticized the funding, citing concerns about transparency and long-term solutions.
Videos and photos have shown the crowded conditions in Chicago police stations, where migrants have been forced to sleep on floors, disrupting regular police operations. Chicago is one of several cities that have received migrants bused from southern states as the U.S.-Mexico border crisis persists,‘according tohttps://flipboard.com/topic/bordersecurity/spend-it-on-fixing-crime-chicago-man-55-who-was-arrested-for-trying-to-block/a-rlgncRFURX-U3ZzOHklH-A%3Aa%3A2679760903-d843616d47%2Fco.uk?format=amphttps://flipboard.com/topic/bordersecurity/spend-it-on-fixing-crime-chicago-man-55-who-was-arrested-for-trying-to-block/a-rlgncRFURX-U3ZzOHklH-A%3Aa%3A2679760903-d843616d47%2Fco.uk?format=amp