McHenry Times

In light of recent revelations about state funding for the resettlement of migrants, Village of Hebron President Robert Shelton has clarified his municipality's stance stating that they have not received any offer of funding nor have they solicited any. Shelton’s commentary follows the revelation that suburban areas are being offered cash to resettle illegal immigrants. 

“No, we have not received any offer of funding, nor have we solicited any funding,” Shelton told the McHenry Times.

Shelton said he does not anticipate Hebron taking funding to resettle illegal immigrants.

“I do not see us taking any funding if offered,” he said.

Shelton also said the issue of resettling efforts in Hebron has not arisen to the point for elected officials to get involved.

“The Village does not have a stance on this at the moment,” he said.

Shelton's statement was made following Glen Ellyn Village President Mark Senak's disclosure that his community had been offered an $11 million state grant to facilitate the permanent resettlement of illegal immigrants. During the League of Women Voters Glen Ellyn 2024 State of the Village Annual Meeting on Jan. 26, Senak told attendees that the state had proposed a substantial grant to assist with migrant settlement in Glen Ellyn.

"So you understand what I believe that $11 million is for us to have migrants come to Glen Ellyn and locate here and settle here and remain here, and what that would entail to accomplish that," Senak said.

According to DuPage Policy Journal, State Rep. Terra Costa Howard (D-Glen Ellyn) brought this issue into focus by informing the village about available funds for this purpose.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has requested assistance from suburban areas in dealing with the city’s crisis involving illegal immigrants. The influx of these individuals into the area has sparked concerns about housing availability.

"He’s asking us all for support, calling out the federal government," Burr Ridge’s Mayor Gary Grasso said during an interview with NBC Chicago regarding Johnson's plea.

Grasso also noted that Johnson specifically asked for increased funding support for sheltering and providing services to migrants, as well as backing for his demands from Washington.

This request follows a surge in drop-offs of illegal immigrants in the Chicagoland area starting from December 2023. Reports suggest that over 34,000 illegal immigrants have arrived in Illinois since mid-2022, intensifying calls for stronger border control measures. Last fall, Illinois allocated $42.5 million in grant funds for municipalities to accommodate illegal immigrants, with several cities, including Lake County, Elgin, Oak Park, Urbana, and Chicago receiving assistance. In total, the state has set aside $500 million for the care of illegal immigrants, according to Capitol News Illinois.

During a Hinsdale Village Board meeting last month where drop-offs were prohibited, officials reported being informed by a bus driver that such instances were expected to continue through March. The frequency of daily drop-offs throughout the state has varied, often exceeding 10 instances. At times, the number of people being dropped off per day is nearly 800, as per another report from DuPage Policy Journal.