With temperatures expected to plummet into the 30s and 40s next week, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker declared that the state would allocate $160 million to support the resettlement of migrants arriving in Chicago.
The funding also includes $65 million to assist the city in establishing temporary, winterized shelters to prevent individuals from sleeping outdoors in the brutal cold.
Governor Pritzker stated that the state is intervening at this time due to the perceived slow response from the city. Chicago’s approach to the crisis, heavily dependent on volunteers, has faced criticism from immigrant rights organizations, local leaders, and residents.
“The city’s been operating its own methodology process. And it hasn’t moved fast enough,” said Pritzker at a press conference held at a state building in Chicago. “We’re stepping in here to try to help and accelerate this process.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.