Rockford Sun

Amid growing controversy, two additional airplanes carrying undocumented immigrants are expected to land at Chicago Rockford International Airport.

Rockford authorities reported that the Texas Emergency Management is planning to send a plane to Rockford airport on Jan. 5 and another on Jan. 6.

The revelation from the Emergency Management and Regional Security follows the recent arrival of a private Boeing 777 on Dec. 31, carrying around 350 illegal immigrants.

However, discussions have unfolded between the Rockford airport officials and Texas EM, leading to the possibility of a diversion to Gary, Indiana’s airport.

Authorities in Gary are reportedly aware of this potential development.

Texas has previously sent two airplanes carrying illegal immigrants to the Chicago Rockford International Airport.

The last landing on Dec. 31 prompted immediate action. In that instance, passengers boarded eight buses coordinated by the Texas Department of Emergency Management.

WGN-TV reported that Winnebago County sheriff's deputies escorted the buses, which traveled towards the McHenry County line. Subsequently, the migrants were dropped off in various suburbs along the route to Chicago, using trains and other modes of transportation to complete their journey into the city.

At the time the City of Rockford announced its preparedness to activate the local emergency operations center in the event of additional flights, emphasizing the need for coordinated logistics and planning to ensure safety.

In response to the escalating situation, some municipalities are evaluating their policies and engaging in discussions with neighboring communities to address the challenges posed by the influx of illegal immigrants.

The strain on resources has prompted several municipalities to enact restrictions on where these drop-offs can occur.

A growing number of municipalities in the Chicago suburbs, including Aurora, Cicero, New Lenox and Tinley Park, have passed ordinances to limit unannounced drop-offs of illegal immigrants, citing strains on local resources and a surge in arrivals.

The sudden arrivals have raised concerns among residents and officials about the impact on local services, including law enforcement, healthcare and social services.

Suburban police departments have been grappling with an increase in the number of buses transporting undocumented individuals in recent weeks.

Recent weeks saw an influx in places like Lockport, Joliet, prompting the Will County Emergency Management Agency to coordinate with municipalities.

Local authorities have responded to the surge with emergency orders and ordinances. Fox River Grove, Elmhurst and Kankakee faced challenges with unannounced migrant drop-offs.