New Lenox Mayor Restricts Migrant Drop-Offs In Town

NEW LENOX, IL — New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann on Friday signed an executive order to more tightly regulate intercity buses making unscheduled stops in New Lenox.

In response to reports of charter or Coach buses attempting to drop Texas migrants in Will County, Baldermann on Friday said such buses will be prohibited from leaving passengers in New Lenox.

The order was signed less than 12 hours after a charter bus carrying Texas migrants made an unscheduled stop at Manhattan's Metra station.

"Many have asked about our plans for the buses that have been attempting drop-offs in Will County of migrants from Texas," Baldermann told residents. "... As is the case when national issues arise, we make decisions based on facts, not political opinions. We are making this decision based on our resources, or lack thereof. Buses will not be allowed to drop off migrants in our community."

Similar to a measure passed this week by the Village of Tinley Park, New Lenox's order will require operators of any intercity buses seeking to make unscheduled stops in New Lenox to apply for permission to do so, a minimum of five days ahead of time. The drivers will also be required to conduct background checks on all passengers over the age of 18, and also provide those to police when asked.

Each application for the drop-offs must also include an order authorizing the transfer of passengers signed by the head of the public body associated with it. Applications for unscheduled stops must be approved by the New Lenox Police Chief Louis Alessandrini, and will be set for a specific date, place and location.

Drivers may only arrive no sooner than 30 minutes before, and no later than 30 minutes after the designated times. Any driver attempting to unload passengers outside that designated window will be fined $750 per passenger, the ordinance states.

The order also specifies that the drivers may only make unscheduled stops between 10 a.m and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and not at all on Saturdays, Sundays or Village holidays. The drivers must also carry a digital or physical copy of their approved application.

Any buses in violation of the order may also be impounded, and the driver issued a $5,000 administrative penalty.

"I always believe in being compassionate toward every human being," Baldermann said, "but my responsibilities as mayor are to serve the best interest of our community."