Chicago's new police chief said the city's use of police stations as temporary housing for the growing population of migrants seeking asylum has been a “burden” on the nation's second-largest police department.
Currently, over 3,000 new arrivals are sleeping at police stations with hundreds more at airports. Some stay a few days — others months — while they await longer-term placement at shelters set up throughout the city, including small hotels, a park field house and unused commercial space. More than 18,500 migrants have arrived in Chicago since Texas Gov.
He said there was the possibility of people being deterred from making police reports because they wouldn't want to walk through crowds of people. But he was more worried about officers having to witness tough situations in the workplace, like seeing nursing or pregnant women sleeping on floors. Multiple city council members have argued that the $150 million set aside in Johnson’s proposed budget isn’t nearly enough to address the issue. Social service groups, including volunteers who deliver meals and supplies, worry how tents will stand up to harsh Chicago winters.
In July, authorities investigated an allegation of sexual misconduct involving a migrant teen and an officer. The investigation was closed when no victim or corroborating witnesses could be found.