CHICAGO (NewsNation) — Chicago officials and the Secret Service released a public safety plan Thursday in preparation for a potential surge of migrants set to coincide with the Democratic National Convention.
Concerns have been raised about the Secret Service’s ability to handle the convention following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The Secret Service, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson were among those present.
More officers, streets blocked for DNC
Streets will be blocked off, with a focus on demonstrations throughout the city as thousands of pro-Palestinian protestors, abortion rights groups and feminist groups are expected to fill the streets.
One organization plans to protest almost up to the doors of the United Center, where the convention is being held.
The Secret Service plans to scout rooftops and set up perimeters around the convention. Additionally, an extra 500 Chicago Police Department officers will be helping the hundreds of officers already committed to securing the city.
CPD said it’s prepared for anything.
Texas governor threatens to send more migrants to city ahead of DNC
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has threatened to send thousands of migrants to Chicago before the start of the convention.
At last week’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Abbott told attendees that buses of migrants would “keep rolling” into liberal cities.
Chicago leaders are bracing for the arrival of up to 25,000 new migrants ahead of the convention.
As of Monday, Chicago has welcomed more than 45,000 migrants aboard nearly 950 buses to the city since August 2022. In April, the city council approved $70 million in funding for shelter and food.
There were 5,667 residents in 17 active shelters run by the city and state Monday, according to a statement from the city. Last winter, more than 15,000 migrants were dropped off in the city.
Local reports indicate that city officials are reserving about 5,000 shelter beds in case Abbott follows through on his promise. The state will assist if there are not enough beds.
What is the Democratic National Convention?
Democrats will gather at Chicago’s United Center from Aug. 19-22.
More than 50,000 attendees are expected to come to Chicago, with at least 5,000 delegates expected in attendance.
Some party leaders are hoping Democrats will unify behind Vice President Kamala Harris and avoid another open convention in Chicago where the nominee is not a foregone conclusion.
Harris is still required to lock in 1,969 of 3,936 Democratic delegates to secure her party’s nomination to face former Trump in November. Democrats have been throwing their support behind Harris’ campaign since President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed Harris.
The first Democratic National Convention was held in 1832 in Baltimore.