Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is facing criticism from outraged residents and conservative leaders over her handling of homeless encampments at O’Hare International Airport. According to the New York Post, critics have slammed the mayor’s policies, claiming that the encampments have grown out of control, with some residents describing the situation as unprecedented and a “tourism killer.”
The encampments have also sparked safety concerns among staff and passengers. The encampments have been described as “dystopian” and “filthy,” with stunning photos depicting makeshift shelters inside the airport terminals.
@chicagosmayor please clean up this city! This is the current state of O’hare airport, homeless everywhere, sleeping all over terminal 2 and getting in peoples faces yelling. This is the first impression people get when they land in this city. #CleanChicago #ORD pic.twitter.com/YUvIafUxK5
— Natasha Patel (@patel_n) February 6, 2023
Detractors blame Lightfoot for the situation, with one political operative accusing her of allowing the ongoing disintegration of Chicago. Some residents have shared their experiences of feeling unsafe at the airport due to encounters with homeless individuals.
Despite the criticism, the Mayor’s Office has maintained that the situation is common during the winter months and that the Chicago Department of Aviation is aware of the increasing population of homeless people at the airport. The situation highlights the challenges faced by cities across the United States as they struggle to address homelessness.
