Illinois taxpayers on hook for over $1M scrapped giant base camp tent meant to house Chicago migrants in 2023: budget
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Taxpayers are expected to cover over $1 million for a large tent base camp planned to accommodate migrants back in 2023.

The construction was scrapped halfway through construction, and, at the time the governor vowed taxpayers would not be responsible.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The payment was slipped into the budget, and Democrats and Republicans were caught off guard.

The rush to finalize the budget by May 31 left lawmakers without adequate time to review everything before voting. Hidden within it was a brief note about a payment to GardaWorld, the company contracted by the state to set up the base camp tents.

As winter approached in fall 2023 amid a growing migrant crisis, the state, working with the city, hired GardaWorld to build an extensive base camp in Brighton Park.

The plan was to house 2,000 migrants there in giant heated tents.

But the plan was scuttled after an environmental report deemed the lot contaminated and unusable.

The governor at the time vowed taxpayers would not be on the hook for the base camp that wasn’t.

But now they will be, with the payment being slipped into the budget bill without most stakeholders ever knowing it.

“This is why people mistrust government, the lack of transparency. And we can change that. We have to do better, and that starts with the governor,” House Republican Leader state Rep. Tony McCombie said.

Tucked into page 75 of the nearly 3,400-page budget are two lines authorizing a $1.3 million payment to GardaWorld Federal Services, for money owed by the Department of Human Services.

The base camp payment flip-flop caught the alderwoman representing this part of Brighton Park completely off-guard.

“The taxpayers, the residents of Brighton Park, they want to know ahead of time. I think it’s our responsibility to be able to share that information so they are understanding of the process, not just find out how we get to the to the last moment,” 12th Ward Ald. Julia Ramirez said.

The governor’s office said in a statement, “GardaWorld sought payment based on its claim that it performed a substantial amount of work at the State’s request. The State negotiated and settled that claim in the Court of Claims.”

“The House Democrats always talk about this being a moral document, and this is, this is exactly what it is. And if you’re going to have a moral document, you don’t do things like this. You don’t slip things in at the last minute that shouldn’t be being paid by Illinois taxpayers,” McCombie said.

GardaWord did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The payment to the company would be made after the governor officially signs the spending plan, which he is expected to do before the end of the month.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Gaza War: IDF Prepares to Capture Gaza City - Part 1

Conflict in Gaza: Israeli Forces Get Ready to Seize Control of Gaza City – Part 1

In my debut column, “Drone Strike Rocks Eilat, Israel – 22 Injured,”…
Federal agents nab 1,000+ illegal aliens in major Illinois sweep: ‘Making the state safe again’

Over 1,000 Undocumented Immigrants Arrested in Significant Illinois Operation: ‘Enhancing State Safety’

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Friday that federal agents arrested…
Jury deliberations continue in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial

What did Diddy write in his letter to the judge?

If the judge listens to Combs’ defense team’s recommendation, he would be…
Iran executes 6 prisoners accused of carrying out attacks for Israel

Iran Executes Six Individuals for Alleged Attacks Linked to Israel

Iran reportedly carried out the execution of six prisoners on Saturday, who…
Chef killed in carjacking outside daycare while picking up child

Chef Fatally Attacked During Carjacking While Collecting Child from Daycare

“He loved cooking, he loved making people happy. But more than anything,…
Video captures Charlie Kirk assassination suspect Tyler Robinson during police manhunt in Utah

Footage shows Tyler Robinson, suspect in the Charlie Kirk assassination case, during police search in Utah

PROVO, Utah — Recently released surveillance footage acquired by Fox News Digital…
Rising climbing star plunges to death from Yosemite's El Capitan mid-livestream

Promising Climber Tragically Falls to Death from Yosemite’s El Capitan During Livestream

Tragedy unfolded at Yosemite National Park on Wednesday when renowned climber Balin…
Who is Kathryn Nester, Charlie Kirk assassination suspect Tyler Robinson’s attorney?

Experts Suggest Defense for Alleged Charlie Kirk Assassin Tyler Robinson Could Cost Utah Taxpayers ‘Eight Figures’

Utah taxpayers are on the hook for Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin’s defense…
Father of 3-year-old girl kidnapped in Alabama counting the days until her return

Father of Missing 3-Year-Old in Alabama Anxiously Awaits Her Safe Return

Living as 3-year-old Kionii Haugen’s father is a dream come true for…
Michigan church shooting bodycam video shows police confront gunman

Bodycam Footage Reveals Police Confrontation with Gunman at Michigan Church Shooting

Police in Michigan released body camera video from officers who responded to…
Latter-day Saints hold first general conference without a president in at least a century

Historic Milestone: First LDS General Conference in Over 100 Years Without a President

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day…
Day 3 of Prince Holland's murder trial

The Third Day of Prince Holland’s Homicide Trial

Jurors examined forensic evidence and rap videos linking Marcel Johnson and Kentrevious…