Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on local and regional news you won't find anywhere else

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Archive 2004-2013
  • Toggle search form
  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters Dads' Rights
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations Illinois Legislature
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” Crime
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs Business
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago Cook County
  • On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office. Partnering with Commissioner Aguilar were the Village of Lyons, Lyons School District 103, Teamsters Local 777, and Rincon Family Services.
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair  Cook County
  • Jesse Jackson Jr July 2025
    Jesse Jackson Jr. Launches Candidacy for Congress Civil Rights
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders Cook County
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Statement of US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes Cook County
  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders construction
  • Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Business
  • Joyful reunion photo courtesy of Jeffery M. Leving & Assc law firm
    Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child Dads' Rights
  • CTF Illinois Orland Park, 18230 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, IL 60467
    Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park Baby Boomers
  • Emagine Theater Pink popcorn
    Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Business
Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez courtesy of Twitter

Blind compassion allowing problems to fester among migrant asylum seekers Chicago alderman warns

Posted on July 27, 2023July 27, 2023 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Blind compassion allowing problems to fester among migrant asylum seekers Chicago alderman warns
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Blind compassion allowing problems to fester among migrant asylum seekers Chicago alderman warns

By Ray Hanania

Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez has always been on the cutting edge in the battle for truth. He was a courageous voice exposing the failings of former Mayor Lori Lightfoot and remains one of a handful of aldermen who believe the rights of Chicago residents belong above those of politics and politicians.

Lopez has never been shy to call out truth, a paladin who champions honesty.

On Wednesday, Ald. Lopez sent a letter to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressing concerns about the city’s incomplete policies on absorbing migrant asylum seekers, warning of growing problems that are not being addressed, addressing what many see is “blind compassion” in which the needy are helped but without caution. 

It’s a problem many are discussing but few are willing to fully address in today’s polarized political world were truths become weaponized brawls that fuel ideological discord.

Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania

 

Lopez is in the middle, recognizing the need to help people, including migrants, asylum seekers and immigrants, but he is cautioning it must be done with respect for the rights of citizens. And it must be done with open eyes to the reality and the truth of what is happening, not what we hope for or by embellished political claims crafted to make things look better than they really are.

 

“It is with great concern that I write to you regarding the situations unfolding at centers and shelters serving the migrant asylum-seeking populations currently within the City of Chicago,” Lopez begins.

“Across this city, communities have been asked or told that they were going to be welcoming individuals shipped here from across the country. The compassion of our communities can unite us as a city during this episode in our history and ultimately makes us stronger. But first, we must acknowledge where we find ourselves in this moment.”

Lopez breaks down the existing 5,500 migrants in Chicago, with 1,40900 children, 2,300 single men and women in the South Loop Douglas Park, Gage Park, Woodlawn, and another 860 spread throughout Chicago Police Districts.

Instead of creating an environment of support, it is creating an environment of criminal tensions and conflict that many are ignoring, because the ugly truth is more difficult to swallow than the popular ideological lie.

“Over the past several months, there has been a significant uptick in illicit and illegal activities at all locations that warrants your immediate attention and action. Reports of migrant asylum-seekers participating in drug sales and usage, male & female prostitution and associated human trafficking, as well as gang recruitment have been witnessed by law enforcement and community alike,” Lopez warns bluntly, saying what others are afraid to acknowledge.

“Additionally, the level of disrespectful behavior towards Chicago residents by the migrant asylum-seekers is reaching a boiling point at locations where migrants joyfully ignore curfew, alcohol consumption, and other restrictions put in place at shelters for the benefit of those housed as well as the community. Migrant asylum-seekers are now using their vehicles to block streets, perform sex acts, and otherwise disrupt life in communities where this behavior wasn’t the norm. To make matters worse, residents now feel that their only recourse is to take action against the migrant asylum-seekers. This is not the time for vigilantism -it is the time for you to step up and act.”

Lopez calls on Mayor Johnson to “loudly and forcefully declare our communities welcoming” to migrants but to address the problems migrants are bringing the generous communities that host them, warning of a “rampant heroin problem” that is “exploding” in city shelters.

“Rather than prohibit this behavior, the Chicago Department of Public Health is willfully encouraging it by ensuring doses of Narcan (Naloxone) are available at all locations to avoid future opioid overdoses,” Lopez said.

Lopez said this could not only lead to the creation of “opioid dens” but worse, the growth of a new generation of street gangs, similar to the what plagued 1980s Los Angeles which opened a door to an influx of South American asylum seekers.

“Then, as now, the asylum-seekers evolved from clusters of people living together to roaming packs doing whatever possible to survive, including selling drugs and human trafficking. We know what the Los Angeles gang ultimately evolved into: Mara Salvatrucha, the MS-13,” Lopez noted.

“Now is not the time to allow our emotions to dominate the conversation about how best to proceed. We must recognize the facts, all the facts, this humanitarian crisis has created for both the migrant asylum-seekers and the native Chicagoans carrying this burden. Our faith commands us to help those in need just as it demands we separate the evil from the good.”

Which other public servant has the Chutzpah to tell the public the truth?

Click here to read the actual letter.

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at [email protected].

Follow RayHanania at Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters - October 9, 2025
  • Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations - October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” - October 8, 2025
NPV: 30
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Chicago, Civil Rights, Culture, Government, immigrant, News, Politics Tags:alderman, asylum, asylum seekers, Chicago, City Council, crime, drugs, guns, immigrants, Mayor Brandon Johnson, migrant asylum seekers, migrants, Raymond Lopez, violence

Post navigation

Previous Post: Bond Set for Two Women Charged with Robbing Bloomingdale Verizon Wireless Store
Next Post: Fathers’ Rights: Innocent dad in jeopardy of arrest wins in court, keeping him out of jail and with his kids

Related Posts

  • Chicago Wolves celebrate victory
    Chicago Wolves one win from Calder Cup championship Chicago
  • Late Legion Cmdr. honored News
  • Northwood University’s Esports Team on Sunday won the Collegiate Rocket League World Championship in Dallas, Texas.
    Northwood Esports wins Rocket League World Championship Features
  • Chicago Wolves courtesy of the Chicago Wolves
    Potluralski’s Hat Trick treats Chicago Wolves to 5th straight win Chicago
  • Supporters gather for ‘Walk to End Alzheimer’s’ Events
  • Suburban Chicago event brings national experts on Russian influence, Washington ethics, media future Events

More Related Articles

Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoes legislation that would force suburban taxpayers to pay for waste and corruption at the Chicago Public Schools. The bill would take the majority of school funding from the suburbs and earmark it to bailout Chicago Public Schools, which are in debt to the amount of more than $17 billion. Photo courtesy of Governor Rauner Rauner promises to provide names of Americans against Israel Blogger
Congresswoman Robin Kelly official photo Democratic Party Chair Robin Kelly Names Abby Witt New Executive Director Cook County
Bad inning adds up News
money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash Cicero holds line with “Zero Property Tax Increase” budget Government
Chicago Wovles play the Rockford Ice Hogs, Feb. 23, 2025 Chicago Wolves announce 2025-2026 Training Camp Roster Entertainment
COVID virus courtesy of the CDC IDPH Reports 63 Illinois Counties are at Elevated COVID-19 Community Levels coronavirus

Comment (1) on “Blind compassion allowing problems to fester among migrant asylum seekers Chicago alderman warns”

  1. Pingback: "The Driver's Side" – News From The Motorist's Perspective | theexpiredmeter.com

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays
    August 27, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language
    August 8, 2025
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio

  • NEWS
  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters
    October 9, 2025
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations
    October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz”
    October 8, 2025
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs
    October 8, 2025
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago
    October 8, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme