Rockford Sun

Last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security began Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago, a new initiative aimed at addressing illegal immigration. The operation directs Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to locate and detain individuals identified as violent criminal illegal aliens, including gang members, rapists, kidnappers, and drug traffickers who have been released under Illinois' sanctuary state policies.

Governor J.B. Pritzker expanded the TRUST Act in 2021, restricting state and local agencies from cooperating with ICE in most cases. This policy has received criticism from Republican lawmakers who say it limits law enforcement's ability to address public safety concerns.

Illinois differs from some other states by not deporting convicted illegal immigrants after they serve sentences for serious crimes such as murder or human trafficking; instead, these individuals are released back into communities.

Senator Syverson stated: "Governor Pritzker’s actions have put Illinois families at risk time and time again." He added: "If Governor Pritzker and Chicago leaders refuse to do their jobs, the federal government has both the right and the duty to act."

Syverson is a Republican who was elected to represent Illinois' 35th Senate District in 1993.