Child's death reflects inadequate conditions in Chicagos's crowded migrant shelters
The Border Center for Journalists and Bloggers (BCJB) shares a summary of the main news on the border for February 19, 2024.
A 5-year-old Venezuelan migrant boy dies from sepsis and bacterial infection in a Chicago shelter
Jean Carlos “Jeremías” Martinez Rivero, a 5-year-old Venezuelan boy, died from sepsis and a bacterial infection at a Chicago migrant shelter, sparking debate over preventable death. The official autopsy identified streptococcus pyogenes group A infection, with COVID-19, adenovirus, and rhinovirus as contributing factors. The 5-year-old child was staying at a Chicago migrant shelter where illnesses were said to be spreading rapidly due to crowded conditions without adequate medical services being provided. Jean Carlos faced a medical emergency while residing in a temporary shelter situated in a warehouse in the Pilsen neighborhood designed to accommodate the city's increasing number of asylum seekers. He was declared dead shortly after being taken to a hospital in December. His death has reignited concerns over the adequacy of shelter conditions in Chicago, especially in light of the city’s challenges in housing a surge of asylum seekers unprepared for its harsh winters and with limited local support.
Democrats' Shift Toward Stricter Border Policy Sparks Internal Party Debate
Los Angeles Times’s David Lauter.- The Democratic Party's recent move toward advocating for more vigorous border enforcement marks a significant departure from their previous stance, which emphasized the rights of migrants and less emphasis on border control. This shift comes in response to increased migrant crossings and decreasing public support for immigration, exacerbated by Republican criticisms of President Biden's policies. The victory of Democrat Tom Suozzi in a New York special congressional election, which was seen as a validation of this new approach, has nonetheless caused discomfort within the party. Some Democrats fear alienating the left-leaning base that strongly supports immigrant rights, while others see the need to address public concerns about border security without resorting to hardline stances. The strategy involves balancing enforcement with continued support for "Dreamers" and long-settled immigrants, a pivot from the previous anti-enforcement rhetoric. However, this approach has led to divisions within the party, as evidenced by the reaction to bipartisan negotiations over border policy that deviated from the Democrats' long-standing principles. The challenge is finding a middle ground that addresses border concerns without fracturing the party's unity.
Texas' migrant busing to Democratic cities originated from Trump's era, aimed at political adversaries.
The Chicago Sun-Times published an interesting analysis of the origin of the busing initiative to overwhelm sanctuary cities with undocumented immigrants. The initiative to bus migrants from Texas to Democratic cities like Chicago traces its roots back to proposals made during Donald Trump's presidency, aimed at overwhelming districts of political opponents with asylum-seekers. The concept gained traction within conservative circles, notably advocated by figures such as Tucker Carlson and Ted Cruz, and was implemented by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in 2022. This strategic move was seen as a response to Democratic cities' sanctuary policies, intending to redistribute the burden of migrant influxes. Illinois and Texas officials recall the program's early days, highlighting its political and logistical challenges. Despite federal immigration officials rejecting the initial proposal due to its impracticality and ethical concerns, the tactic resurfaced as states like Texas sought solutions for border surges. The program has sparked controversy and debate over its humanitarian implications and political motivations, illustrating the complex dynamics in U.S. immigration policy and inter-state relations.
Gladys Ibáñez Olea was accused of human trafficking, holding victims to pay trafficking debts
Highland Park resident Gladys Ibáñez Olea was arrested and faces human trafficking charges after holding two women and two minors in her home under conditions of involuntary servitude. The Lake County Sheriff's Office, along with Highland Park police and Homeland Security investigators, discovered that Ibáñez Olea had promised her victims, brought illegally from Mexico, safety, housing, and employment. However, she took away their IDs and property upon her arrival, forcing them to work to "pay off" their border crossing debt. The adults and a teenager were forced to hand over the money they earned, while a 2-year-old child was subjected to inhumane treatment to keep him awake. Ibáñez Olea threatened the victims with violence against their families in Mexico if they did not make the payment, exacerbating his control and abuse over them.