Worth mayor expects no migrant dilemma

By Joe Boyle

Worth Mayor Mary Werner believes it will not be necessary to pass an ordinance to deter migrants from being dropped off in the village.

Werner was responding to a question by a resident during the public forum segment of the Worth Village Board meeting Tuesday night. The resident asked if the village was going to pass an ordinance that would prevent migrants from arriving by bus from Texas.

“I have talked to (Cook) County and other officials and we don’t see this occurring here,” Werner said. “So, we believe no ordinance will be necessary.”

Werner added that after the recent drop-offs in various suburban communities, no incidents were reported and it has been peaceful. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has been sending migrants to so-called sanctuary cities — including Chicago — since August of 2022.

Abbott has stated that Texas can no longer handle the massive number of migrants coming into his state.  The majority have been coming from Venezuela.

The mayors of Chicago, Denver and New York have complained that these buses arrive unannounced with no warning. The mayors have recently had buses impounded if they have not contacted the cities in advance.

Since the mayors have come up with these restrictions, Abbott has been bypassing these new rules by sending the migrants to suburban communities by bus or plane and then providing bus or train tickets for them to be dropped off later in Chicago.

Migrants have reportedly been dropped off in Aurora, Elburn, Elgin and Hinsdale. As of Tuesday, migrants have not been dropped off in local suburban communities.

The Chicago Ridge Board of Trustees held a special meeting on Dec. 27 in which they voted to prevent migrants from being dropped off unannounced in that village. The Oak Lawn Village Board of Trustees will address the migrant crisis during their board meeting on Jan. 9.

The agenda was light for the first meeting of the new year. Werner mentioned that the annual Chili Cookoff will take place on Sunday, January 7, at the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991, 11001 S. Depot St.

No entry fee will be necessary for the event. Judging will take place at halftime of the Bears-Packers game. The first-place prize is $100; the second-place prize is $75; and third place is $50.

The sign-up sheet is on the main bulletin board at the post. More information can be obtained by calling 708-448-7006.

“If you make a mean pot of chili, please come by,” Werner said.

The mayor also noted that the post is hosting a Legion of Comedy Night on Saturday, Jan. 20, at the post. The event is a fundraiser for the post. Admission is $20 and includes one free beverage.

Seating begins at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Todd Glover is the headliner comedian and Lindsay Porter will also perform. Dan Brennan is the host. Tickets are available from the bartenders at the post.

“This sold out last year, so I would get your tickets soon,” Werner said. “It is a lot of fun.”

Trustee Pete Kats, the chairman of the public safety committee, wanted to thank the police officers who took part in the Shop with a Cop event last month to provide presents for some children for Christmas.

The program is a charitable event that helps connect police officers with children in Worth and other communities. The program helps families in need and allows children to see a positive side to law enforcement.

“These officers do this on their own time.” Kats said. “Four kids got to shop. For some of these kids, they would not have anything for Christmas.”

Trustee Brad Urban was delighted with the reception that 30 Navy recruits received at the post on Christmas Day. The recruits were greeted by a bagpiper and residents on the holiday and received a Christmas dinner. Urban was one of the volunteers who got up early to cook the hearty meal for the recruits.

Urban, who is the chairman of the public works committee, also mentioned that street sweepers will be out sweeping along the curbs on Thursday, Jan. 11.