Chicago mayor expels attendees from boisterous city council session amidst controversy over immigrant influx
For weeks, the mayor faced challenges in getting his budget plan approved.
On Monday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson removed attendees from a city meeting discussing his 2025 budget proposal due to public outcry over the allocation of significant funds for migrants.
On Monday, the 2025 budget of Johnson narrowly passed, but only after the mayor ordered a temporary recess to clear residents from the hall so that council members could vote.
Johnson managed to secure the 26 votes needed to pass the budget plan after six weeks of debate, but the opposition was successful in removing a proposed $300 million property tax.
The city has secured a $40 million short-term loan to temporarily alleviate its debt payment obligations, a key concern for many protesters.
"One resident accused Johnson during the public comment period, stating, "You are responsible for all this money going to illegal immigrants, and anything you pass is not authentic.""
Another resident accused Johnson of not safeguarding the citizens of Chicago from an attack.
"Another resident stated that he wants to borrow $40 million and increase the city's debt, while blaming the situation on the illegal immigrants who received half of the funds."
Johnson faced criticism for hiring too many staffers and paying them too much, with Chicago reporter William Kelly stating that Johnson has enlisted over 100 staffers, each with a six-figure salary, and arguing that many of the positions seem unnecessary.
Alderman Burnett, who was convicted of bank robbery and armed robbery and spent time in jail, is being paid almost half a million dollars to be the vice mayor, which essentially has no duties or responsibilities other than waiting to possibly become mayor if something were to happen to Mayor Johnson, according to Kelly.
The administration of President-elect Trump has been made aware of the frustration surrounding Johnson's immigration policies, and Tom Homan, Trump's nominee for border czar, has issued a warning to Chicago that it will be among the first cities to experience deportations.
"Chicago is facing difficulties due to the incompetence of its mayor and governor. We will begin addressing the issue right here in Chicago, Illinois," Homan stated last week.
If the Chicago mayor refuses to assist, he can step aside. However, if he intentionally hinders us or conceals an illegal alien, I will prosecute him.
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