City of Wheaton, IL
City Council Passes Resolution Regarding Local Impacts of National Immigration Policies
At last night’s meeting, the Wheaton City Council passed a resolution stating the City’s commitment to monitor and act in a measured and thoughtful way regarding local impacts of national immigration policies. The resolution is the result of several Wheaton City Council discussions following the arrival of buses with asylum seekers at Wheaton’s train stations.
Since Dec. 12, 2023, there have been 20 charter buses from out of state carrying approximately 835 passengers that arrived at Wheaton’s train stations. The most recent bus drop-off occurred on Feb. 4, 2024. In each instance, passengers arrived at the station and promptly boarded a Metra train to Chicago, which is the location of the state’s only intake center providing shelter for asylum seekers. This process has been orderly and without incident. The Wheaton Police Department continues to monitor the arrival of buses at Wheaton’s train stations.
During the Jan. 22 and Jan. 29 City Council Planning Sessions, the City Council discussed possible actions it could consider to protect the health, safety and welfare of all individuals who reside or work in Wheaton and those who are visiting. Of particular concern is the potential for large groups arriving in Wheaton with the intention to stay and without provisions for food, shelter and other basic needs, since the City does not have pre-arranged services to support them. On Feb. 20, the City Council passed this resolution, which you can read on the City’s website.
The City will continue to monitor this situation and will provide updates to the community should there be substantial activities or changes.
Since Dec. 12, 2023, there have been 20 charter buses from out of state carrying approximately 835 passengers that arrived at Wheaton’s train stations. The most recent bus drop-off occurred on Feb. 4, 2024. In each instance, passengers arrived at the station and promptly boarded a Metra train to Chicago, which is the location of the state’s only intake center providing shelter for asylum seekers. This process has been orderly and without incident. The Wheaton Police Department continues to monitor the arrival of buses at Wheaton’s train stations.
During the Jan. 22 and Jan. 29 City Council Planning Sessions, the City Council discussed possible actions it could consider to protect the health, safety and welfare of all individuals who reside or work in Wheaton and those who are visiting. Of particular concern is the potential for large groups arriving in Wheaton with the intention to stay and without provisions for food, shelter and other basic needs, since the City does not have pre-arranged services to support them. On Feb. 20, the City Council passed this resolution, which you can read on the City’s website.
The City will continue to monitor this situation and will provide updates to the community should there be substantial activities or changes.