Drama is brewing in Chatham as a local condo owner finds herself locked in a bizarre standoff with alleged squatters, even after Illinois rolled out its much-hyped anti-squatter law last week.
Instead of relief, Mary Welch is left stewing in frustration while strangers continue occupying her renovated unit—armed, unruly, and completely unfazed by new state regulations.
The law, which kicked off January 1, was supposed to give police fresh muscle to oust squatters as trespassers instead of tenants. But in reality, cops say it’s still a legal grey zone, forcing them to tread carefully while they figure out exactly how to enforce the new rules.
trash which includes what is believed to be drug paraphernalia left by squatters in the house owned by her family on Tom Sawyer Road in Milton on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. Her family is trying to clean up the mess left by the squatters and are battling to keep them off the property.
Welch, a condo owner for over ten years, thought she’d finally get her property back. Instead, she’s grappling with a nightmare. Just weeks ago, she claims she stumbled upon a woman inside her condo, who allegedly brandished a gun and shrieked threats when Welch demanded answers. The tense confrontation left Welch shaken—and furious.
“I put all my trust in this new law, but now I feel powerless,” Welch vents, echoing the agony of many homeowners faced with squatters.
According to Welch, the woman inside the condo insisted her mother had signed a lease. Welch immediately shot down those claims, pointing out she’s the sole owner—no lease could possibly exist. The police responded but denied action because Welch didn’t have her deed on hand. Even after she returned with documents, the officers declared their hands were tied, citing the new law’s fine print. Remarks that have left Welch boiling: “I am beyond angry. Even with the new law, the squatters aren’t budging!”
On Friday, the drama escalated with state Rep. La Shawn Ford and Alderman Michelle Harris joining Welch at the property, hoping for a breakthrough. Hours passed as authorities negotiated with the entrenched occupants—and their dogs—only to announce that those living there before January 1 won’t be forced out under the current law.
Now Ford vows change is coming: “It’s crystal clear we need to tighten this law. Today shows we’ve got work to do, especially making sure police know what the law really means.”
Meanwhile, CPD doubles down, clarifying they don’t get involved in evictions, only criminal trespass cases once illegal entry is verified. Welch, however, says even proving her ownership hasn’t shifted the situation.
As the saga continues, Welch watches her property slip further out of reach, left to navigate a complicated legal maze that seems to offer no quick fixes.
