Migrant tent camp construction to begin Monday, official says

Despite opposition from neighbors and City Council members, construction of Chicago’s first tent encampment to house migrants during the cold winter months will begin Monday in Brighton Park, according to a Southwest Side alderwoman.

[ What to know about Chicago’s migrant crisis ]

Ald. Julia Ramirez, 12th, released a letter Saturday detailing her opposition to the plans for her ward and said Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office notified her Friday that GardaWorld Federal Services — a private security firm the city is contracting to build and run the camps — would begin erecting tents Monday on 38th Street and California Avenue.

“The administration’s decision to proceed without addressing our concerns not only undermines transparency and efforts of co-governance,” she wrote, “but also disregards the well-being of everyone in our community, including the asylum-seekers who have come to our great city seeking safety and refuge.”

[ Ald. Julia Ramirez issues statement ahead…