Kankakee, IL – Following a controversial migrant drop-off incident, the Kankakee County Board voted 18-1 on Tuesday to declare the county a non-sanctuary for immigrants. This resolution supports the City of Kankakee’s efforts to manage unexpected migrant arrivals and aligns with measures taken by Mayor Chris Curtis, including a $750 fine for bus operators violating local regulations.
According to the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office, this move was prompted by an incident where 40-50 migrants were mistakenly dropped off in the county, believing they were in Chicago. The migrants, arriving from El Paso, Texas, were left at a gas station near Interstate 57. Local law enforcement agencies swiftly responded to assist the migrants, many of whom had no clear destination or support.
This resolution and the mayor’s order reflect the region’s growing concern over managing sudden migrant influxes. It aims to ensure better coordination and support for both residents and arriving migrants. Investigations continue to prevent similar future incidents and ensure proper management of migrant arrivals.
