Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, conducted a joint online press conference on December 27, 2023, addressing the migrant crisis. The mayors collectively called for the classification of the situation as a federal emergency, emphasizing that their cities are on the verge of a breaking point without immediate federal assistance.
Chicago, facing challenges with a shelter system at capacity and accommodating 15,000 asylum seekers, asserted in a news release that they cannot solely bear the responsibility of the federal government’s duties. Mayor Adams expressed frustration at the lack of additional support from federal entities such as FEMA. The mayors urged for a federal declaration of emergency, financial aid, and a national resettlement strategy.
In a concerted effort, the mayors aimed to intensify pressure on Congress and President Joe Biden’s administration. Simultaneously, Chicago sought assistance from the state of Illinois and Cook County to address the strain on resources and beds, especially during inclement winter weather.
New York adopted a strategy similar to Chicago’s to manage migrant arrivals, leading to some unintended consequences, such as migrants being stranded in suburbs. The mayors criticized the intentional transportation of migrants by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to Democratic-led cities, describing it as “reckless.”
The mayors highlighted the strain on their cities’ services and infrastructure, citing potential reductions in library hours, trash pick-up, and police academy classes in New York. Chicago stressed the critical point it has reached, calling for immediate federal intervention to sustain their local economies.
Denver Mayor Johnston estimated a significant financial burden of $160 million on Denver next year, equivalent to 10% of the city’s budget, to address the migrant crisis. The mayors collectively urged the federal government to provide more funding, expedite migrant work authorization permits, and implement an improved, coordinated national strategy for asylum-seekers.
Concerns were raised about the political viability of their requests, but the mayors believed there was an opportunity during ongoing budget negotiations. They emphasized the need for a practical, coordinated plan to distribute asylum seekers across the country efficiently.
To manage the influx, the mayors introduced measures to control arrival times. New York, following Chicago’s lead, imposed fines and impoundment for buses arriving outside specified hours. The objective is to ensure a coordinated and orderly process for assisting migrants while prioritizing their safety.
Despite challenges and pushback, the mayors remained committed to addressing the crisis, urging federal intervention and emphasizing the urgency of building a comprehensive care system beyond city limits.
