The feds are failing the refugees. Immigrants housed in police stations.

The image of refugee families with children being housed for weeks in Chicago police stations is heartbreaking.

Some friends and neighbors were collecting supplies yesterday, to bring to those who have been bussed here from border states like Texas.

It was no problem for me to head over to Target and fill a shopping cart with crayons, markers, drawing paper and coloring books to drop off.

When we arrived at the collection site in a neighbors backyard, the tables were already overflowing.

Ordinary Chicagoans all over the city have risen to the occasion.

There were similar collections in other neighbor’s backyards and all over the city this past weekend.

When I called the local alder’s office to see if I should bring over materials I was told they had no more room.

A “meal train” where folks can sign up to bring food to shelters is full for right now and can accept no more donations for the time being.

But the problem is ongoing and the official federal response is weak at best.

Perhaps 9,000 refugees bused from the southern border have arrived in Chicago since August.

Thousands have left their home countries because of economic conditions that, in many cases, the United States itself is responsible for.

Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot nailed it in criticizing Texas Governor Greg Abbott for cynically engaging in the "inhumane and dangerous" busing of refugees to major cities including Chicago.

In a letter written before leaving office, Lightfoot cited concerns about Chicago's ability to accommodate more refugees, writing, "We simply have no more shelters, spaces, or resources."

"Your lack of consideration or coordination in an attempt to cause chaos and score political points has resulted in a critical tipping point in our ability to receive individuals and families in a safe, orderly, and dignified way," Lightfoot wrote.

Now it has fallen on our new Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago city council to handle the crisis.

Shortly after being inaugurated Mayor Johnson met with refugees, which included stopping at a near west side police station where refugees have been staying for weeks.

Johnson told reporters that the had been briefed during the transition after Mayor Lightfoot declared a state of emergency to make it easier for city agencies to respond.

Johnson agreed with Lightfoot and called the ongoing political stunt to send migrants to Chicago “wicked” and “unconscionable.”

Johnson further said that there is now a coalition of people working in communities like Woodlawn and South Shore.

“We have to make sure that we can take care of our residents and family members who are here, while making sure the families who wish to call Chicago their home, that they’re served, as well.”

Johnson has created a position of deputy mayor for immigration and refugee rights

On the other hand, Chicago reporter Mick Dumke reports that the city council committee which is responsible for dealing with migrants and refugees has not met in over a year.

Still, no city can afford to deal adequately on its own with the enormity of the situation.

The federal government, which should be mobilized to welcome the refugees, to feed, house, school and find jobs for those who have come here, are meanwhile caught up with funding a war and haggling over a debt ceiling.

MAGA Republicans are focused on cutting food stamps and healthcare for the poor while Democrats in Congress and Biden are mainly silent.