The Latest Breaking News from Evelyn Figueroa

The death of a 5-year-old migrant boy and reported illnesses in other children has raised fresh concerns about the living conditions and medical care provided for asylum-seekers arriving in Chicago

With resources exhausted and limited shelter beds available in Chicago, immigrants who have been sent here have been sleeping and eating meals on the floors of police stations in recent weeks.

Community groups and volunteers are stepping up to assist — and sometimes take into their homes — new immigrants seeking refuge around the Chicago area as shelters fill up and temporary housing spaces, including shuttered schools, spark controversy.

Celso Dionicio Ignacio, 50, began volunteering during the pandemic and soon became the face of the pantry. He died Saturday.

As inflation sends prices higher, food pantries across Chicago worry the increased demand will tax their shrinking pool of helpers.