Chicago Residents Slam Mayor Johnson Over Budget and Migrant Spending

A heated City Council meeting in Chicago on Monday saw Mayor Brandon Johnson face fierce criticism from residents over the city’s financial woes, which include a $1 billion budget shortfall. The primary target of their ire was the $574.5 million spent on the New Arrivals Mission, a program designed to aid migrants, as citizens expressed frustration over what they viewed as misplaced priorities.

During the meeting, attendees did not hold back, voicing outrage over the city’s budget decisions and the allocation of substantial resources to support migrants while local communities face significant challenges.

One resident, clearly exasperated, directly addressed Mayor Johnson:
“I’ve got a great way to fix this budget. First, cut off illegals getting free everything—free housing, free schooling, free food. Then let’s start with you. Your salary. You’re going down in history as the worst mayor in America.”

Another woman, who identified herself as a legal immigrant, sharply criticized the city’s approach to migrant assistance, arguing that these resources could be better used for struggling U.S. citizens.

“These people came with a wide door open, and they feel entitled to many things that nobody has. There are U.S. citizens suffering from poverty, and these people are just enjoying benefits, becoming delinquents, and facing no consequences,” she said.

Adding to the tension was a proposal for a $60 million property tax increase, one of the options under consideration to address the city’s financial crisis. This potential tax hike fueled further anger from residents, who viewed it as an additional burden on citizens already grappling with high costs of living.

One speaker took it a step further by invoking legal consequences for Mayor Johnson. She warned him about potential penalties under federal immigration laws, referencing former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director Tom Homan and suggesting that Johnson could face prison time for policies perceived as shielding undocumented immigrants.

“You’re not going to exist for the next election because there’s a 10-year prison sentence…” the woman said before her microphone was cut off.

BREAKING: A Chicago woman told Mayor Brandon Johnson to his face that he will be ARRESTED by President Trump for harboring & protecting illegals from deportation units.

“You’re not going to exist for the next election because there’s a 10-year prison sentence…” 🔥

She started… pic.twitter.com/FHEGpheU5t

— George (@BehizyTweets) December 3, 2024

WATCH: Chicago residents flooded the city council meeting and WENT OFF on Mayor Brandon Johnson for protecting illegals and called on Trump & Tom Homan to “make an example out of this negro right here first.”

Mayor Johnson immediately cut the lady’s mic after she said that.… pic.twitter.com/3L7LUW5t3v

— George (@BehizyTweets) December 3, 2024

The New Arrivals Mission, established in August 2022, was launched to address the surge of migrants arriving in Chicago, many of whom were bussed from Texas as part of Governor Greg Abbott’s initiative to relocate asylum seekers to major cities. The program provided emergency shelter, food, medical care, education, and case management services for nearly 39,000 migrants.

Mayor Johnson’s administration defended the program, emphasizing Chicago’s role as a major destination for asylum seekers and framing the initiative as a humanitarian effort.
“The City of Chicago, in partnership with the State of Illinois and Cook County, has worked to support new arrivals on the path to self-sufficiency by providing basic necessities,” the mayor’s office stated earlier this year.

However, the program has come under fire as the city faces a dire financial situation, with critics arguing that resources should be redirected toward local residents struggling with poverty and homelessness.

In response to mounting pressure and financial constraints, the New Arrivals Mission is set to be phased out by the end of the year. Mayor Johnson announced a new approach in October, describing it as a “cost-effective, equitable, and strategic” plan that addresses homelessness across all demographics in the city.

“This transition is in line with the sharp decline in migration to Chicago and our current budget realities,” Johnson explained.

Despite the planned changes, many residents remain unconvinced that Johnson’s administration is prioritizing their needs.

The heated exchanges during the City Council meeting highlight growing discontent among Chicago residents over the city’s governance. Critics accuse the mayor of mismanaging resources and neglecting the concerns of taxpayers in favor of migrant aid programs.

The tension reflects a broader national debate over the balance between assisting migrants and addressing the needs of local communities. With Chicago grappling with the dual challenges of a financial crisis and a polarized electorate, Mayor Johnson faces an uphill battle to regain public trust.

As the city braces for potential tax increases and further budget cuts, the outpouring of anger at Monday’s meeting is unlikely to be the last. For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Mayor Johnson as he navigates one of the most challenging periods in his administration.