In response to the dangerously cold temperatures that hit Chicago over the weekend, a few dozen migrants have been temporarily relocated to the basement floor of the Harold Washington Library. As the city experienced subzero temperatures, the migrants, many of whom lacked adequate warm clothing, were provided shelter at the library's warming center.

The Office of Emergency Management and Communication announced that all migrants from the Desplaines Street at Polk Street "landing zone" were moved to the library on State Street. However, specific details regarding the timing of the relocation and the duration of their stay were not disclosed.

Approximately 47 new arrivals sought refuge at the library on Monday. Their vulnerability to the extreme cold was evident as they were observed with thin layers of clothing and some even suffered from wind-burnt skin due to the wind chill reaching a bone-chilling 30 degrees below zero.

One of the migrants, Jhosep Colmenares from Venezuela, expressed gratitude for the shelter and described the atmosphere as "nice," with both migrants and unhoused individuals seeking refuge together during the frigid weekend. He emphasized the importance of the roof over their heads and the provision of food, acknowledging the significant help they were receiving.

Another Venezuelan migrant, who chose to remain anonymous, previously resided in a tent outside a police station. He revealed that there were insufficient restroom facilities for washing and showering, but a nearby school bus transported the library residents to facilities with showers.

Over the past week, the number of migrants awaiting shelter has decreased due to the winter storm and subzero temperatures. Last Monday, there were 793 migrants in need of shelter, with 537 at the "landing zone." By the start of this week, the figure dropped to 318, with 255 of them at O'Hare Airport.

Notably, no buses were expected to transport migrants to the Chicago area on Monday due to the severe cold. This came after Governor JB Pritzker urged a pause in busing amid the winter storm, emphasizing the plight of vulnerable individuals and the need to protect lives.

The freezing temperatures, with highs reaching zero degrees and lows dipping to 12 degrees below, were accompanied by average wind speeds of 20 miles per hour, exacerbating the already challenging conditions.

Despite the harsh conditions, migrants like Jhosep Colmenares and Victor Ramirez maintain a resilient spirit. Colmenares, originally from the Maracaibo region in Venezuela, acknowledges the stark difference in temperature but remains determined to overcome the adversity. Ramirez echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the need to adapt and meet their needs despite their unfamiliarity with the cold climate.

As the city works to address the evolving crisis, it announced a temporary extension of the 60-day limit at migrant shelters. This decision was made to prevent evictions from colliding with the dangerous cold spell. Migrants set to leave shelters between Tuesday and January 21 now have until at least January 22 to find alternative housing arrangements.

With only a small fraction of those scheduled for eviction connected with rental assistance thus far, city officials acknowledge the ongoing challenges. However, they stress that steps are being taken to ensure the welfare of those impacted by the crisis.

This unforeseen winter emergency has prompted the city to come together to provide immediate aid to vulnerable individuals, highlighting the importance of compassion and resilience in the face of extreme weather conditions.