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When a jurisdiction proclaims to be a sanctuary city, policies
are enacted that relax local authorities’ ability to enforce
federal immigration law. Chicago and Illinois are considered
sanctuaries for non-citizens because of such policies elected
officials have approved.
Matthew Podgorski of M3 Strategies said Chicago is not a
conservative city, but with more than 15,000 non-citizen new
arrivals in Chicago from the southern border in the past year
taking more resources, recent polling shows growing opposition
to the idea.
“A
majority of those likely voters have said that they want to end
sanctuary city and stop housing the migrants, whatever that
means to them,” Podgorski told WMAY. “That surprised even me.”
The poll further showed sentiments among demographics.
“Whites across Chicago are very much in favor of keeping
sanctuary city by about double digit margins. Non-whites,
Hispanics, Blacks and others, are overwhelmingly in favor of
ending sanctuary city,” Podgorski said. “Black Chicagoans,
plus-20% ending sanctuary city.”
Age was another area with stark differences. Podgorski said
those under 45 overwhelmingly are in favor of the policy while
those over 45 are against it.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has defended the city’s
sanctuary city status, said Friday he hears Black Chicagoans’
concerns. He equated that with frustration with the lack of
progress on other issues.
“If people weren’t complaining, you could come to the conclusion
that they didn’t expect much from us,” Johnson said.
More than 15,000 non-citizens have arrived in Chicago since
August of 2022. Gov. J.B. Pritzker estimates the total state and
local taxpayer cost is more than $500 million.
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