‘Community’s at the Brink of Collapse’ Due to Migrant Surge, We Need to Remain a Sanctuary City

On “CNN News Central” Monday, Chicago City Councilman Byron Sigcho Lopez said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) is sending migrants to the city and the lack of federal aid is , which means “our entire community is on the brink of collapse” and “is making the situation worse.” The lives of our new neighbors are at risk, and so is the safety of Chicagoans across the city. ” But he is happy the city will remain a sanctuary city.

Sigcho López said the conditions faced by migrants are “really dire in communities like ours. Recently, a 5-year-old boy, Jean Carlos Martinez, died. So many conditions were put in place. “This is because the conditions are really poor.” For new neighbors in our community. Due to the lack of support at the federal level and the trafficking tactics that are putting new lives at risk, we have to physically gather as many as 2,500 people in one of our shelters in a matter of weeks. It doesn't have to be. We keep our neighbors safe, as well as Chicagoans across the city. Just a few months ago, we witnessed these inhumane acts claim the life of a 3-year-old girl while traveling from Texas to Chicago. We have seen the situation continue to deteriorate. That tactic continues to deteriorate. Now Governor Abbott even flies people out. This really is not only putting our communities at risk, it's really putting us all at risk. The community is on the brink of collapse. So this is a call for the federal government to take leadership on this issue because we're seeing really desperate attempts to destabilize and harm our communities, immigrant communities that have suffered tremendously. I really need it urgently. ”

He added: “We can't negotiate our humanity, and that's what's really at stake here. Unfortunately, there are governors like Abbott who don't see us as human beings. On the other hand. And then there are mayors like Mayor Johnson. [have] but also [stood] Protect what is right, but protect[ed] We establish our sanctuary status so that we can protect human rights and cooperate in security measures and cooperation.[e] With anyone across the country willing to put solutions on the table. ”