Susana Mendoza

East St. Louis' attorneys are asking the court for a permanent injunction that would block the Illinois comptroller’s office from intercepting state funds to instead support police pensions.

“While the state is incurring expenses that, frankly, should be paid by the federal government," Mendoza said. "I want to make sure that taxpayers know exactly what the state is spending money on when it comes to the arrival and care of asylum seekers."

Republicans in the Illinois Senate indicated their sticking point for budget negotiations this year will be the same as it was last year — state spending on programs for noncitizens and recent arrivals from the country’s southern border.

The long-delayed project at Illinois' southern tip is now moving forward under new leadership.