Chicago Pushes To House Migrants In Old Kmart Building Despite Protests From Residents Over Migrant Shelters

Due to concerns raised by residents on the South Side, Chicago’s efforts to house migrants in a vacant Southwest Side Kmart has been temporarily stopped.

The Kmart shelter, which covers 96,000 square feet in West Lawn, was originally scheduled to open in February. However, the community demanded more transparency from Chicago’s city government.

Angie Guerrero-Cuellar, a state representative, stated to the Chicago Sun-Times that she has serious concerns about the safety of the Kmart facility and its amenities. “I have requested state agencies to suspend this project until they can make sure this facility is built into housing for young migrant families.”

A resident said to the outlet that she has concerns about the safety of the community and those who will be living there.

At this moment, it is not known when the building will open to migrants.

Residents reacted negatively to the city’s temporary shelter for migrants, James Wadsworth Elementary School. It is located near Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood. Despite opposition from neighbors, the building was opened in February despite protests by those who “willingly to be arrested” for their opposition to the project.

Residents from the area stood in front the buses full of migrants and urged the city to give resources to the locals, not the migrants.

Fox 32 resident Jennifer Maddox stated that the community felt disrespected and feels excluded.

Lori Lightfoot is the Democratic Mayor of Lori Lightfoot. Another resident complained that there was a shortage of resources in her community. She said, “We don’t need anybody else to take those people down.” She said, “We’re tired Ms. Lightfoot.”

Andre Smith, protesting against the city’s intransigence with residents, told the Chicago Sun-Times that he was not going to be transparent. They didn’t cooperate with us so we are not working with them. We aren’t moving, we’re willingly arrested.”

Chicago police officers arrived on the scene when three buses carrying migrants dropped off at the school.

In October 2022, approximately 3,667 illegal immigrants had been bussed from Texas into the Democrat-run town. Thousands continue to enter the U.S. through President Joe Biden’s open-border policies.

Illinois Democrat Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a proclamation of disaster in October to provide resources for migrants being bussed into the state.

Fox News Digital reached out to the mayor’s office for clarification but they did not respond.