Sign up for our daily briefing
Make your busy days simpler with Axios AM/PM. Catch up on what's new and why it matters in just 5 minutes.
Catch up on the day's biggest business stories
Subscribe to Axios Closer for insights into the day’s business news and trends and why they matter
Stay on top of the latest market trends
Subscribe to Axios Markets for the latest market trends and economic insights. Sign up for free.
Sports news worthy of your time
Binge on the stats and stories that drive the sports world with Axios Sports. Sign up for free.
Tech news worthy of your time
Get our smart take on technology from the Valley and D.C. with Axios Login. Sign up for free.
Get the inside stories
Get an insider's guide to the new White House with Axios Sneak Peek. Sign up for free.
Catch up on coronavirus stories and special reports, curated by Mike Allen everyday
Catch up on coronavirus stories and special reports, curated by Mike Allen everyday
Want a daily digest of the top Denver news?
Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Denver
Want a daily digest of the top Des Moines news?
Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Des Moines
Want a daily digest of the top Twin Cities news?
Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Twin Cities
Want a daily digest of the top Tampa Bay news?
Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Tampa Bay
Want a daily digest of the top Charlotte news?
Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Charlotte
Sign up for Axios NW Arkansas
Stay up-to-date on the most important and interesting stories affecting NW Arkansas, authored by local reporters
Travelers arrive at the international terminal of O'Hare Airport in Chicago on Friday. Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images
Chicago's O'Hare International Airport tweeted Saturday night that customs processing was "taking longer than usual" because of enhanced screening for the novel coronavirus for passengers coming from Europe.
Why it matters: The airport's admission and images circulated on social media of the hours-long wait after the Trump administration's travel restrictions came into effect midnight Friday. Illinois Gov. J.B Pritzker (D) said the lines were "unacceptable" and that President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence should act "immediately."
- Americans returning from Europe are exempted from the ban preventing travelers from the continent visiting the United States, but they must undergo screening in the U.S.
What they're saying: "These crowds are waiting to get through customs which is under federal jurisdiction," Pritzker said in a Facebook statement. "To the frustrated people trying to get home, I have spoken with the mayor and our Senators and we are working together to get the federal government to act to solve this."
- "We will do everything within our power to get relief," he continued without elaborating further. "The federal government needs to get its s@#t together. NOW."
Customs and Border Protection said in a statement that the agency is aware of reports of long wait times and is "working diligently" to resolve the situation.
- “We’re continuing to balance our efficiencies with ensuring the health and safety of all American citizens through enhanced medical screening in accordance with CDC guidelines due to the global COVID-19 pandemic,” acting commissioner Mark Morgan added.
The big picture: Trump announced last Wednesday that European travel to the U.S. would be restricted for 30 days for member states of the Schengen Area, which includes most but not all of the European Union. By early Sunday, there were nearly 3,000 infections in the U.S. and every state but West Virginia reported cases.
- Citizens of the United Kingdom and Ireland were initially exempted, but Pence announced Saturday the ban would be extended to include them from midnight Monday ET.
- O'Hare Airport confirmed Chicago Police were "distributing bottled water and snacks to travelers waiting to get through customs processing."