Prairie State Wire

Six buses dropped off 228 illegal immigrants throughout the state on Jan. 5.

Reports indicate that on January 5, six buses dropped off illegal immigrants at various locations throughout the state, raising concerns among local communities.

In Glen Ellyn, two buses arrived at the Metra Station at 3 a.m., unloading a combined total of 70 passengers. Later in the day, two additional drop-offs occurred at the same location, with one bus delivering 50 passengers at 2 p.m. and another dropping 41 individuals just 10 minutes later.

Wheaton experienced a similar occurrence as a bus discharged 40 passengers at the Metra Station at 4 p.m., while in Wilmette, 27 passengers were dropped off at 5 p.m. These incidents are part of a series of continuous drop-offs that began on December 22, coinciding with the City of Chicago's implementation of fines and threats to impound non-compliant buses that unload illegal immigrants within city limits without prior notice.

The drop-offs have occurred continually in the suburbs since Dec. 22, beginning after the City of Chicago imposed fines and threatened to impound non-compliant buses who drop off illegal immigrants in the city limits without prior notice.

The continuous nature of these drop-offs and the increasing numbers have prompted local authorities and communities to reevaluate their responses and consider additional measures to address the challenges associated with the influx of illegal immigrants.

Various municipalities have responded by passing ordinances similar to Chicago's, restricting the options available to bus operators for such drop-offs.

During a Hinsdale Village Board meeting where drop-offs were prohibited, officials reported being notified by a bus driver that such occurrences were expected to continue through March.

The frequency of daily drop-offs throughout the state has varied, often exceeding 10 instances and, at times, approaching 800 people per day.

Airplanes carrying hundreds of illegal immigrants have also been landing at the Chicago Rockford International Airport, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing situation.