Rob Ford voluntarily withdrew application to enter U.S.

TORONTO – Mayor Rob Ford’s whereabouts are currently unknown after he withdrew his request to enter the United States border last Thursday, a day after he announced a leave of absence from his duties to seek help for substance abuse.

The Consul General of Canada in Chicago confirmed to Global News the mayor made his way to Chicago but was subsequently turned away.

“U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed to us that Mayor Ford arrived in Chicago last Thursday and that after discussion with US CBP he withdrew his request to enter the USA and departed,” said Canadian Consul General Roy Norton in an email statement.

Officials wouldn’t comment on the reason of Ford’s decision to turn back.

Ford’s lawyer Dennis Morris confirmed that the mayor checked into a facility for treatment, but he refused to say if that was in the United States or Canada.

Doug Ford refused to answer questions about his brother’s whereabouts Tuesday morning but he did say the mayor is “100 per cent” in a rehab program.

WATCH: Doug Ford confirms that Rob Ford is in rehab, won’t say where

“He’s feeling good. He bought into the program and he’s getting the support that he needs,” he said.

Councillor Ford didn’t reveal when his brother will return from his treatment.

Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti said he will vote for giving Ford an extended leave of absence but wants to see proof he’s getting treatment.

“At the very least the city should know the city that he’s in for treatment and with some verification that he is in fact being treated,” said Mammoliti. “Then I would ask everyone to leave him alone and let him be treated.”

Mammoliti, who received an extended absence last year following a health scare, said there’s nothing wrong with Ford taking an extended leave to deal with addiction issues.

“When you’re sick and when you’re dealing with that issue there’s nothing wrong with asking for extended leave,” he said. “In this case if he needs the extended I would certainly vote for it. Because this is an illness and that’s the way we need to see it.”

READ MORE: ‘Rob Ford’s comments are gross’: Stintz responds to new audio recording

The mayor risks losing his council seat if he misses three monthly meetings and if fellow councillors don’t pass a resolution to approve an extended absence.

“I just want to remind people that Ron Moeser was excused for almost a year because of his illness and I’m sure council will excuse Rob for his illness for at least one or two sessions,” said Doug.

“If they want to vote against the mayor, the vast majority of the people who even disagree with the mayor, would disagree with the council for doing that.”

Ford has taken a leave of absence to seek help for a “problem with alcohol” after multiple media reports surfaced last week linking him with drug and alcohol abuse.

The Toronto Sun reportedly obtained an audio recording of Ford making offensive remarks in an Etobicoke bar Monday night and The Globe and Mail revealed the existence of a second video of Ford smoking what looks like crack-cocaine.

The Toronto Star also published an article claiming witnesses saw Ford using cocaine at Muzik nightclub on March 15.

He vowed last year that he had given up alcohol – part of a campaign to rehabilitate his image in light of his admission.

His family had previously backed up his assertions and his decision not to resign or take an official leave.

Doug Ford, the mayor’s brother, said last week he was unclear whether the weight of the newest allegations finally forced him to seek treatment.

“I told Rob that everyone knows someone who has faced these challenges. And I know they will wish him well and a speedy recovery,” Doug said.

“I encouraged my brother to take this time for himself and for the sake of his family many people believe they can handle any problem by themselves.”