Chicago residents are slamming Mayor Brandon Johnson over the city's spending of more than $500 million on immigrant protections, with him confronting Democratic members during a City Council meeting. “He's the worst mayor in America,” one person said.
The criticism surrounding Johnson and the Chicago New Arrivals Mission, which has cost the city $574.5 million so far since its launch in August 2022, comes as the mayor is trying to overcome challenges. be. $1 billion budget shortfall By the end of the year. The City Council met Monday, and residents voiced opposition to a nearly $60 million property tax increase that has been floated as one way to close the gap.
“We have a great idea of what we can do with this budget, starting with getting rid of illegal aliens and getting everything for free, free housing, free schooling, free food. Let's start. Yes, let's start there. That way we can save a lot of money,” one woman told Mr. Johnson.
“Let's start there. And let's start with you. Your salary. You're going to go down in history as the worst mayor in America. Let's start by cutting your salary. “I make too much money,” she continued.
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Chicagoans criticized Mayor Brandon Johnson on Monday over the city's spending on immigrant aid. (City of Chicago)
Another resident told Johnson that he was an immigrant who came to the U.S. legally and that he was “very, very ashamed that other Latin Americans are working in this city, for the people, for the people.” I think so,” he said. We pay taxes on behalf of people who contribute to the city.
“I want to be clear that not everyone is the same. These people come in with their doors wide open and feel entitled to a lot of things that no one else has. “There are some Americans who are,” she said. “There are Americans who receive public assistance, but they're just reaping the benefits here, and they're delinquent, with no consequences.”
At one point during the meeting, one resident asked Mr. Johnson to be “extremely careful.”
“So this just proves the lack of leadership you're showing in this city. You can't even look me straight in the eye,” he said. “Well, Chicagoans, I’m here to tell you that it’s over.
Johnson's office said in April that the goal of the New Arrivals Mission is to “provide short-term emergency shelter to address this humanitarian crisis, while also addressing future challenges related to displaced populations and new migration patterns.” “It's about making long-term investments in the city's capabilities.” .
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson gives an update on immigration issues at Chicago City Hall on January 29, 2024. (Terence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
“Since August 2022, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has bussed hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers across the United States. Chicago ranks third among major U.S. cities behind New York City and Denver. “About 39,000 new asylum seekers have arrived in the city,” he added at the time.
“The City of Chicago is working with the State of Illinois and Cook County to provide food, temporary emergency shelter, emergency medical care, education, vaccines, case management and resettlement assistance,” the city said.
At the end of this year, the New Arrivals Mission shelter system will be phased out.
“This transition is consistent with the sharp decline in immigration to Chicago and current budget realities,” Johnson said in October. “We are moving to a more cost-effective, equitable, and strategic approach to addressing homelessness for all people in need in the City of Chicago.”
People walk outside an immigrant shelter in Chicago in March. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
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Johnson's office did not immediately respond to FOX News Digital's request for comment Tuesday.
FOX News' Patrick McGovern contributed to this report.
