The Chicago Transit Authority fired its private security guards over the weekend, ending unarmed patrols that had been part of its response to increased crime during the pandemic, according to an April 21 announcement. About 250 Monterrey Security employees were affected by the decision, which was communicated without prior notice.
The sudden move comes as concerns about safety and employment ripple through the city. The CTA’s action left many workers uncertain about their future and prompted calls from local officials for a halt to the firings and further discussion at City Hall.
Bailey Koch, spokesperson for SEIU Local 1, said on Monday that many union-represented workers were dismissed abruptly. Steve Patterson, a spokesperson for Monterrey Security, said in a statement that workers were pulled mid-shift Friday evening following instructions from CTA leadership to “cease all work and limit activities to those necessary.” Patterson added that “We are now working with SEIU Local 1 to identify resources, benefits and potential opportunities for these impacted employees, and our thoughts are with them during this time.”
Procurement records show Monterrey had a $44 million contract running through April 2027. According to Patterson, CTA had exercised its option for the final year of this contract just one month ago before announcing funding was exhausted. In addition to Monterrey’s main workforce, two minority-owned subcontractors—Kates Security and Rush Solutions—were also involved in providing services under this agreement.
CTA spokesperson Catherine Hosinski said in a statement: “The CTA is strategically strengthening system security by expanding police presence, K-9 units, and crisis response initiatives. Funding previously allocated to unarmed security guards will instead be directed to sworn officers, specially trained professionals and other security resources who are better equipped to help keep riders and staff safe.” The agency recently signed a nearly $90 million two-year contract with Action K-9 Security for dog teams beginning February 2025.
Alderman Stephanie Coleman of the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus criticized the firings as abrupt job losses impacting South and West Side residents: “At a time when we are fighting for equity and investment in our neighborhoods, it is appalling to see the CTA unilaterally discard a workforce that has been on the front lines of transit safety,” Coleman said.
Some riders have questioned whether unarmed guards made them feel safer; complaints included reports of guards standing around or using cellphones while on duty. One anonymous guard told Block Club Chicago in 2022: “They call us the ‘toy cops.’ If I have nothing to protect me, I can’t stay on the job.” The reduction in visible security has already been noticed at stations such as Roosevelt downtown.
Previously reluctant to increase police presence despite federal pressure threatening transit funding cuts if additional law enforcement was not deployed—the CTA awarded significant contracts instead for private security patrols. Comparisons have been drawn with New York’s approach under Governor Kathy Hochul and former Mayor Eric Adams who increased police deployment within public transit systems.
