Asylum-Seekers Brave Winter Cold In Chicago, Exposing City's Lack Of Long-Term Shelter Plan

In the frigid temperatures of Chicago, numerous asylum-seekers find refuge in the lower level of a library, braving the bitter cold until the pervasive chill gripping much of the nation subsides.

Yet, Chicago's strategy for promptly providing shelter to the increasing influx of migrants into the nation's third-largest city post-cold spell remains uncertain. For over a year, Chicago has grappled with the challenge of housing newcomers until shelter space becomes available, employing measures deemed temporary by city leaders. From using parked city buses to police station lobbies and airports, this makeshift approach has unsettled volunteers, nonprofit groups, and migrants apprehensive about the absence of a long-term plan, particularly during the city's extended winters.

Volunteer Vianney Marzullo, who has assisted migrants at O'Hare International Airport, expressed frustration, stating, "The city’s favorite word for everything is ‘temporary.’ It’s their new choice of Band-Aid word. Everything is temporary, temporary, temporary."

Similar to New York and Denver, Chicago has grappled with the crisis that began in 2022 as migrants arrived in Democratic-led cities, primarily directed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Harsh winter weather has further complicated relief efforts. Last week, New York evacuated a massive tent camp ahead of a storm, emphasizing the repeated calls from big city mayors for increased federal assistance.

Chicago's response stands out for its haphazard approach, heavily relying on volunteers who have been offering medical care, food, and donated items for over a year. The city's proposals, including Mayor Brandon Johnson's idea of a heated tent encampment, have faced obstacles such as the cancellation of construction due to potential contaminants at a former industrial site.

The city instituted a 60-day limit for shelter stays, which was delayed twice due to weather conditions and is now set to take effect on Feb. 1. Meanwhile, Chicago faces criticism for shelter conditions and the tragic death of a young boy whose family stayed in one of the shelters.

The political discord has spilled into the suburbs, with Texas Gov. Abbott's busing operation dropping off migrants in different Chicago area cities without coordination. Efforts to fine bus companies and file lawsuits prompted Abbott to respond with chartered planes. A planned summit with suburban mayors to address the issue was canceled due to weather conditions.

Chicago Mayor Johnson has characterized the situation as an international crisis requiring federal intervention, and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker requested Abbott to suspend buses until temperatures rise, citing migrants arriving without proper winter clothing. Abbott rejected the request, urging federal action.

Since 2022, over 33,000 migrants, mainly from Venezuela, have arrived in Chicago, with nearly 15,000 currently residing in 28 shelters. The city continues to open more shelters, while some migrants have sought refuge with family and friends or received bus tickets to leave the city.

Despite the cessation of using police stations to house migrants, O'Hare International Airport remains in use, accommodating asylum-seekers for weeks. The recent approach involved keeping migrants aboard city buses, but plans for the future remain unclear. The city's Office of Emergency Management did not respond to inquiries about future plans.

Approximately 50 migrants sought shelter in the lower level of the Harold Washington Library Center during the cold snap, alongside individuals facing homelessness. The city reported that five migrants at the library site were on shelter waiting lists, and access for an Associated Press reporter was denied.

Angel Alberto Chourio, a migrant from Venezuela, expressed concern about shelter stay limits and revealed he was not on a waiting list for one. Despite the challenges, he appreciated the opportunity to continue living, saying, "We are not used to this. The cold is too much, since it is already below zero. At least they give one a chance to continue living."