Migrant Workers Dropped Off At Kane County Metra Stations

KANE COUNTY, IL — Kane County officials are offering guidance to leaders in its villages and cities after migrant workers were dropped off at Metra stations in Aurora and Elburn in recent weeks.

“The primary objective is to aid communities in managing the situation effectively to ensure a safe onward journey for asylum seekers who unexpectedly find themselves in our county," said Corinne Pierog, chairman for the Kane County Board.

The Kane County Office of Emergency Management, Health Department and Sheriff’s Office have been working with officials in municipalities and local law enforcement to help facilitate the travel of out-of-state asylum seekers to Chicago.

The only sanctioned landing zone in Illinois for arriving individuals seeking asylum is in Chicago, where officials are offering migrants temporary shelter and other essential support. Disembarking passengers on privately chartered buses from Texas have been assisted at Metra stations in Elburn and Aurora, officials in Kane County said Wednesday.

"We have been actively sharing information with public safety agencies, the state, and the city of Chicago about the unscheduled arrival of buses of asylum seekers in our communities to make sure individuals seeking assistance reach the designated landing zone," said Scott Buziecki. director for the Kane County Office of Emergency Management.

Recently, Kane County hosted a countywide meeting of the Metro West Council of Government to provide information, resources and address questions regarding migrant workers.