Mundelein targeting bus transports of asylum-seekers
Mundelein could be the next suburb to outlaw unscheduled bus transports of asylum-seekers from Texas — and the penalties could be steeper than those in other towns.
The village board on Monday is expected to debate and vote on a plan that threatens fines of at least $10,000 for any unscheduled drop-off of 10 or more passengers. Fines in other suburbs are as little as $300 per stop.
Bus operators also would be fined $750 per passenger, according to Mundelein’s proposed ordinance, and buses could be seized.
The proposal wouldn’t apply to school bus service, buses transporting riders to village-sponsored events or to events at local businesses. It also wouldn’t apply to buses used for weddings or other private events.
Buses sent to Illinois from Texas have dropped off thousands of riders in Lombard, Naperville, Elmhurst, Fox River Grove and other Chicago-area communities in recent weeks. The suburban dropoffs began after Chicago outlawed unscheduled bus deliveries.
No drops have been made in Mundelein.
Mundelein officials have “significant concerns” about the health and safety of both residents and migrants who could be left in town without notice, Village Administrator Eric Guenther said in a memo.
“Passengers dropped off outside of Metra scheduled service hours would be unable to find transportation to the designated landing zone (in Chicago),” Guenther said. “And there is limited shelter from inclement weather available onsite.”
Mundelein’s proposed ordinance requires bus operators to request permission for a delivery at least five days in advance — and acceptance isn’t guaranteed.
The application must include: the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the bus owner, operator and driver; information about whoever is funding the trip; the planned delivery location; the planned day and time of the stop; and the names and contact information of whoever will be responsible for the care, housing and feeding of passengers, among other information.
Stops only would be allowed on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., and some holidays would be excluded.
Buffalo Grove, South Barrington, Elburn and Rosemont are among the suburbs that have banned unscheduled bus drop offs.
Monday’s Mundelein village board meeting is set for 7 p.m. at village hall, 300 Plaza Circle. It’s open to the public and can be viewed online at mundelein.org.