Burr Ridge Addresses Migrant Situation

BURR RIDGE, IL – With Texas' new strategy, Burr Ridge is unlikely to see any migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border arriving on buses.

That's because Texas is busing migrants to Metra train stations, where they are then taken by train to Chicago. Burr Ridge does not have a Metra station.

On Wednesday, Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso issued a public statement about Texas redirecting buses away from Chicago.

Texas did so after Chicago enacted new bus regulations to address the influx of migrants. Violations can include fines and possible seizure of buses.

Now, suburbs are passing similar rules.

In his statement, Grasso said 50 buses have reached Metra stations in DuPage County. Each bus, he said, is supervised by a coordinator who provides Metra tickets to go to the Ogilvie train depot in downtown Chicago.

In September 2022, the state of Illinois sent 64 Venezuelan migrants bused from Texas to stay in Burr Ridge's Hampton Inn for a few days. The move angered many residents.

Afterward, Grasso asserted the village had the power to bar hotels from accepting migrants. While his position was popular, the village did not produce evidence that it had the authority to regulate which types of customers local hotels could accept.

Grasso said Wednesday a group of suburbs is working with Chicago to "responsibly manage" the migrant situation. He said DuPage County Board Chairwoman Deb Conroy assured him of continuous monitoring and coordination.

"Unlike our previous experience, I am glad to report that government is working together to create a better outcome for all involved," Grasso said.

He did not say in the statement how he viewed Texas' cooperation. Illinois authorities have repeatedly said they have received little or no notice of arriving migrant buses.

Asked about Texas' role, Grasso said in an email to Patch, "I meant local coordination and sharing of information. I appreciated Chicago Mayor (Brandon) Johnson scheduling a Zoom call with all area mayors last month that I attended and during which Mayor Johnson and many of us expressed the need to communicate for the general welfare of all."

Grasso said the village was not aware of any criminal activity from migrants arriving in DuPage County.

"It's important to remember that even though migrants may be viewed by some as 'outsiders,' these individuals and families seek a better life in the United States just like other immigrants whose common wish was and is to become Americans," the mayor said.

He provided a city of Chicago website link for donating materials to migrants.