780 illgal immigrants were dropped off throughout the state on Dec. 31. | Wikimedia Commons / Teemu08
780 illgal immigrants were dropped off throughout the state on Dec. 31. | Wikimedia Commons / Teemu08
On Dec. 31, a total of 780 illegal immigrants were reported to have been dropped off in various locations across Illinois, including Dupage, Lake Counties, Elgin and Rockford, according to Emergency Management and Regional Security.
The arrivals commenced at 3:45 a.m. in Rockford, where 355 passengers landed at the airport and were promptly bused to a designated Landing Zone, with buses ready and waiting upon disembarkation
A private Boeing 777 carrying approximately 350 illegal immigrants landed at Chicago Rockford International Airport, marking the second instance of Texas sending a private aircraft with undocumented individuals to Illinois.
Following the landing, the passengers boarded eight buses coordinated by the Texas Department of Emergency Management. WGN-TV reported that these buses, escorted by Winnebago County sheriff's deputies, headed towards the McHenry County line.
From there, migrants were dropped off in various suburbs en route to Chicago, utilizing trains and other means of transportation to complete their journey into the city.
Subsequent destinations and passenger counts included Lombard (50 passengers), West Chicago (50 passengers), Wheaton (50 passengers), Glen Ellyn (80 passengers), Highland Park (53 and 22 passengers on two separate occasions), Elgin (30 passengers) and additional groups in Wheaton, Hinsdale and Highland Park.
Originating from Texas, Governor Greg Abbott sent the plane and migrant-filled buses to cities he designates as sanctuaries.
Approximately 75,500 migrants have been transported to six cities, including Chicago, since April 2022, as reported by Gov. J.B. Pritzker's office.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration has clashed with fellow Democrat Pritzker over winter housing for migrants.
Pritzker, a Biden ally, has urged action on border issues and federal funding, citing the strain on the state's resources during discussions with the president.
Johnson’s more recent comments on illegal immigration, which he has deemed as “crisis,” run counter to those he made while running for the mayor’s office in March 2023.
“Chicago must lead with and live by the promise to be a sanctuary city,” Johnson said in a tweet at the time.
“Longtime Chicagoans don't have to lose for new arrivals to gain — there's enough space at the table for all of us to sit and eat.”
“Immigrants are welcome here.”
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