Migrants Sent to Elmhurst Train Station

ELMHURST, IL – Two buses containing migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border arrived over the weekend at Elmhurst's train station, local police said.

The first one showed up unexpectedly Saturday with 58 migrants from Texas, police said. Someone on board who served as the "leader" bought Metra tickets for all the passengers, and they boarded the 9:13 p.m. train to Chicago, police said on Facebook.

"Everyone remained on the bus until the train arrived," police said on social media. "Elmhurst PD and FD arrived at the station to help coordinate and answer questions."

A second bus with 33 migrants from Texas arrived that same night. They boarded an 11:15 p.m. Metra train to Chicago, police said.

Recently, Chicago enacted regulations restricting the unscheduled dropoff of bus passengers, targeting those from Texas. If violations occur, then the city has the power to seize buses.

Because of those rules, Texas has been sending buses to the suburbs. In response, some towns are now developing rules similar to Chicago's.

After buses from Texas were said to have gone to Hinsdale and Westmont, Clarendon Hills called a special Village Board meeting for Wednesday to enact bus regulations.

The Elmhurst Police Department's social media post prompted comments from local conservatives and progressives.

"All the Elmhurst Progressives for Change folks should be at the train station waiting for the next bus to arrive, not just with a bag of food and a coat or a gift card, but with a 'you're welcome into my home indefinitely' sign," said Tom Chavez, a local conservative activist.

Elmhurst Alderman Guido Nardini asked one resident to provide more details about what he saw when the migrants arrived.

Chavez responded to Nardini, "I'll remind you that in the event more illegal immigrants are dropped off in Elmhurst and decide to stay, there will be a cost to the city, perhaps a substantial one. What do you have in mind to deal with this potential issue?"

Nardini replied, "Send them to your house?"

Chavez and Nardini have taken opposite sides of issues before, particularly at school board meetings.

While the migrants are often referred to as "illegal immigrants," the federal government permitted them into the country as part of the asylum process. Many oppose the government's policy.

Texas officials say the number of migrants is overburdening their state, so Texas is sending them to Democrat-run northern states.