Chicago has begun evicting migrants from its shelters, a controversial policy that had been delayed for months but appeared haphazard, according to a migrant interviewed by NBC News. Migrants facing eviction and rapidly approaching deadlines expressed widespread confusion and frustration with being forced to leave while lacking resources to find alternative housing. The first two days of enforcement resulted in fewer than 10 migrants being evicted, with some forced to leave despite freezing temperatures and snow flurries.
City officials reported having 11,253 migrants in 23 city- and state-run shelters, with over 37,308 new arrivals since 2022. The evictions aim to limit shelter stays to 60 days for more than 10,000 migrants, nudging them to find housing or apply for other shelter options at the city’s “landing zone.” Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration stressed the need to “decompress” shelters, particularly those housing single migrants, to optimize resources. However, residents like 29-year-old Franklin Romero criticized the lack of respect and stability in the abrupt eviction process, highlighting the challenges faced by migrants seeking stability and self-sufficiency.