Construction Begins on Chicago Government-Run Tent Encampment for Migrants Despite Protests, US

Winterized tent structures are being constructed on Chicago’s Southwest Side for the city’s first government-run tent encampment for migrants, despite ongoing protests from local residents and conflicting messages from officials. Construction work began on the site in the Brighton Park neighborhood earlier this week, with a steel frame already towering over the lot by midday. However, neighbors have expressed concerns over the lack of an environmental assessment for the site, which was previously a zinc smelter and may still contain toxic chemicals. The protesters are also worried about the impact the camp will have on local services and the absence of a building permit for the site. While officials have stated that the camp will not open until environmental concerns are addressed, protesters believe their voices are not being heard and continue to demand safer spaces for migrants in the area. As of now, over 23,100 asylum-seekers have arrived in Chicago in the last 15 months, with hundreds awaiting placement in local police stations and O’Hare International Airport.