A Democratic representative from Chicago has criticized the city's poor handling of the migrant crisis and is calling for stricter measures against crime before the 2024 convention.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Raymond Lopez, a Democratic Alderman from Chicago, shared his thoughts on how the city is dealing with the migrant crisis and the persistent crime rates. He expressed optimism that the new mayor will be able to improve the situation.
Lopez criticized former Democratic Mayor of Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, for her failure to adequately provide housing for the numerous undocumented immigrants who were transported from the southern border by the Republican Governor of Texas.
Greg Abbott has raised doubts about the utilization of the $20 million allocated every month to tackle the crisis, stating that there is no clarity on where the money went. Lopez, in an interview with Fox News Digital, expressed that the city was not adequately equipped to assist the affected individuals and that some people have exploited their situation for political motives.
Essentially, we have spent enough money to construct shelters that would provide medical care and housing for these individuals.
The current administration, led by Lightfoot, has failed to address the humanitarian crisis caused by Abbott and worsened by their own incompetence. Lopez, a vocal critic of Lightfoot, accuses her of exacerbating racial tensions by placing migrants in neighborhoods without consulting community leaders, leading to many seeking refuge in police stations. Despite offering a solution to house migrants in a field house in his ward, Lightfoot's administration refused to work with Lopez. The incoming mayor, Brandon Johnson, acknowledges the city's history of violence but believes there is enough space to accommodate the migrant surge. Lopez believes the situation could have been avoided.
If the city council and the mayor had taken action instead of blaming others like Greg Abbott, Lori Lightfoot and her socialist supporters, they could have made the city a safe and welcoming place. They should have avoided gaslighting and pointing fingers and instead focused on making the city a better place.
We made an offer and someone accepted it, but now we are not living up to the standards we set for ourselves in this city.
If we had managed our resources and plans more effectively, we would not be facing a humanitarian crisis at present. Although he remains a strong advocate of Chicago's sanctuary city policy, Lopez criticized the "zero exceptions" reform implemented during Lightfoot's tenure, which he believes shielded violent criminals, killers, and gang members. He hopes that the next administration will reverse this policy.
Lopez provided insight into his professional connection with recently inaugurated Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, stating to Fox News Digital that he has conversed with Johnson more frequently in the past three and a half weeks than he did with Lori Lightfoot during her four-year term. Lopez, who supported Johnson's rival Paul Vallas in the mayoral run-off last month, expressed cautious optimism about the new administration. The mayor has drawn comparisons between the murder of a police officer and the death of an armed teenager shot by law enforcement.
Having a mayor who is willing to answer my phone call provides me with the chance to present my arguments regarding any policy discussion or issue that we are facing.
I have been deprived of that chance for four years during the Lightfoot administration.
The speaker expressed optimism about the future of their relationship, but also emphasized the distinction between simply being listened to and truly being understood.
It remains to be seen if anything Lopez shared with Johnson will be evident in the actions he takes while in office, as only time can reveal this.
Johnson, who is considered more left-leaning than the already progressive Lightfoot, had previously endorsed the movement to defund the police. However, during the election, which focused heavily on crime, he moderated his stance. Lopez had conflicting opinions on how Johnson would address the issue of crime.
He felt positive about Johnson's decision to appoint Fred Waller, a former member of the Chicago police force, as the temporary superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.
In contrast, Johnson supported the teenage rioters who caused chaos in the city recently by stating that it is not helpful to vilify young people who have been deprived of opportunities in their own communities. The daughter of a deceased Chicago police officer expressed her frustration with the increase in crime, stating that it is not the city her father pledged to safeguard. Lopez disagreed with Johnson's statement.
I wish that Fred Waller and other individuals would inform him that there is no need to justify or defend inappropriate actions.
We can manage by maintaining our position and informing individuals of their correctness or incorrectness.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of providing resources to support law enforcement, neighborhoods, public safety, and the youth who need a second chance. They express excitement about Chicago hosting the 2024 DNC convention, but acknowledge that there is work to be done to make positive changes before the event. The speaker notes that President Biden and other top Democrats will be attending, and emphasizes the need to prepare for the influx of 100,000 delegates and their spouses.
The new mayor will face a difficult task of improving the city's public safety.
It is important to ensure the safety of our visitors.
We need to demonstrate that our city is a secure destination for visitors.
If we fail to establish a secure public transportation system and maintain airports that are not used as shelters for the homeless, people will lose interest in visiting this place unless we address these issues in the coming months.
According to Lopez, people will prefer a virtual convention instead of physically attending in Chicago.
It is crucial for the incoming mayor to pay attention to our worries and recommendations on how to prepare the city for the upcoming convention.
As a new mayor, he has a great opportunity to make a big impact, especially since he will likely have the chance to address his hometown and welcome everyone.