Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is set to meet with federal officials in Washington D.C. today to seek financial assistance in addressing the ongoing migrant crisis. This meeting comes on the heels of a divisive discussion among city council members regarding the purchase of land for a new shelter.

Mayor Johnson is joining forces with mayors from New York, Denver, Houston, and Los Angeles to appeal for support in handling the influx of migrants seeking shelter. Over the past year, Chicago has welcomed more than 20,000 migrants from the Texas border, prompting the city to open 24 shelters to accommodate their needs.

However, the handling of asylum seekers has sparked a divide within Chicago's City Council. Yesterday, a proposal to purchase an abandoned retail property in Morgan Park as a shelter for migrants faced opposition from a group of frustrated alderpeople. Some council members expressed concerns that the funds allocated towards assisting migrants could be better utilized to address the needs of local communities.

The contentious discussion has also led to a larger debate about the city's sanctuary status. A special city council vote is being considered to determine whether Chicago should maintain its status as a sanctuary city. A faction of council members is even pushing to put the question on the upcoming March ballot as a voter referendum.

As the migrant crisis continues to pose challenges for cities across the United States, Chicago's mayor and other city leaders are seeking much-needed financial assistance and support from federal officials. The outcome of the meeting in Washington D.C. will shed light on the city's ability to manage the growing number of asylum seekers while addressing concerns raised by some council members about the allocation of resources.