Woman frustrated CPD will not remove alleged squatter from Chatham condo despite new Illinois law
ABC7 Chicago••nation
Key Points:
- Illinois' new squatter law, effective January 1, allows law enforcement to treat squatters as trespassers and remove them from properties, but confusion remains over its implementation.
- Chicago homeowner Mary Welch discovered alleged squatters living in her condo and, despite showing proof of ownership, police were unable to remove them because the occupants claimed to have a lease and had been living there before the law took effect.
- Chicago police and local officials attempted to resolve the situation but could not evict the occupants, highlighting challenges in enforcing the new law and the need for further legal clarification and law enforcement training.
- State Representative La Shawn Ford acknowledged issues with the law and plans to work on improvements in Springfield, emphasizing the need for better education
