In response to the unexpected arrival of out-of-state buses carrying migrants from the southern border, Kane County is proactively offering guidance to its cities and villages.
“The primary objective is to aid communities in managing the situation effectively to ensure a safe onward journey for asylum seekers who unexpectedly find themselves in our county,” said Kane County Board Chairman Corinne Pierog.
According to data compiled by the New York Post from Syracuse University’s TRAC immigration database and US Customs and Border Protection, a stunning 3.8 million people have entered the United States over the border in the last three years. Of that amount, approximately 1.5 million entered without detection by border officials. While most such migrants claim asylum status, data compiled by Syracuse indicates that the vast majority of such claims – over 70% – are rejected.
The Kane County Office of Emergency Management, Health Department, and Sheriff’s Office are engaged with municipalities and local law enforcement to help facilitate the travel of out-of-state migrants to Chicago.
The only sanctioned landing zone in Illinois for arriving migrants is in Chicago, where officials are offering temporary shelter and other essential support.
Disembarking passengers on privately chartered buses from Texas have been assisted at Metra stations in Elburn and Aurora.
“We have been actively sharing information with public safety agencies, the state, and the city of Chicago about the unscheduled arrival of buses of asylum seekers in our communities to make sure individuals seeking assistance reach the designated landing zone,” said Kane County Office of Emergency Management Director, Scott Buziecki.
Recently, Kane County hosted a countywide meeting of the Metro West Council of Government to provide information, resources and address questions.
