Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced plans to begin evicting waves of migrants from the city's shelter system, as his 60-day rule comes into effect. The policy, which has faced criticism from progressive lawmakers, will see 35 migrants being asked to leave on Saturday, with approximately 5,600 expected to be evicted on a staggered basis over the next few weeks.

According to the Chicago Tribune, there are currently 11,200 migrants being housed by the city, a decrease from the peak of 14,900 recorded in late December. The eviction process is also taking into consideration certain exemptions, such as individuals with medical conditions, those in the process of securing housing, victims of domestic violence, or pregnant women. Additionally, a measles outbreak at one of the shelters is being reviewed to determine any necessary exemptions.

Mayor Johnson emphasized that exemptions will still be applicable within the eviction policy, stating, "There are exemptions even within this policy that are still permissible. Individuals who are in the process of securing housing or outmigration, if there are other extenuating circumstances around their health or pregnancy. There are a number of people who won't be subject because they fall under that particular dimension of the policy."

The Johnson administration has informed that a larger wave of approximately 2,000 migrants will be required to leave after next week and by the end of April. The evictions will be conducted in stages, with 244 individuals set to be removed by the end of March and 1,782 more scheduled to leave between April 1 and April 30.

After being evicted, migrants will be directed back to Chicago's designated "landing zone" at 800 S. Desplaines St., where they can reapply for a bed. This temporary shelter location involves migrants staying on parked city buses.

Approximately 10% of migrants in brick-and-mortar shelters are eligible for employment authorization under federal law, and there are around 1,300 households in the process of securing state rental assistance, according to state officials cited by Fox 32.

This eviction policy has faced opposition from several City Council members who argue that it will cut off migrants from stability. In a letter to the mayor, 18 council members expressed their concerns and urged him not to proceed with the plan. However, Johnson previously heeded their calls and did not enforce the policy in January due to harsh weather conditions.

Mayor Johnson has called for federal support and has emphasized the need for Congress to take action against Texas Governor Greg Abbott for busing migrants to the sanctuary city. In January, Johnson accused Abbott of "attacking" cities run by Black leaders with the influx of migrants.

The evictions implemented by Mayor Johnson have sparked a heated debate among lawmakers and residents regarding the treatment and care of migrants within the city's shelter system.