ISRA Condemns Senator Morrison’s Attempt to Take More Freedoms from Gun OwnersOn January 10th, Senator Julie Morrison (D IL-29) filed legislation (SB2720) that would take away the freedom to drive in Illinois should an individual’s FOID card become revoked. The Illinois State Rifle Association immediately warned its members and Illinois gun owners of yet another attack on their rights.
“It is no surprise to us that Senator Morrison chose the one year anniversary of the Illinois ban on commonly owned firearms to unveil yet another attack on the freedoms of Illinois firearm owners.”, said Richard Pearson, Executive Director of the Illinois State Rifle Association. Over the years many gun owners in Illinois have had their rights withheld due to errors in the Illinois State Police FOID database, and serious delays in proper processing. Now Senator Morrison is relying on these same faulty databases for data to enforce her proposed bill. “Illinois firearms owners have felt like they’re being punished with an understaffed State Police and faulty databases causing them to lose their rights and end up in an endless bureaucracy. This proposed law is a continuation of the punishment of those who try to exercise their second amendment rights in Illinois “ said Doug Mayhall, President of the ISRA. The ISRA would like to remind Illinois lawmakers that they have passed several reforms in the last few years designed to stop the outdated process of using a driver’s license as punishment for non-criminal offenses. Senator Morrison’s bill would reverse that trend.
Senate District 19 candidate Samantha Gasca expressed concerns about Illinois transforming into a sanctuary state, citing legislative events such as Gov. Bruce Rauner’s 2017 signing of the TRUST Act (SB 31) and the 2021 “Illinois Way Forward” Act (SB 667) signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. She questions the motives behind these changes, suggesting potential manipulation of electoral votes and expressing worries about a hidden agenda and outlined a “trail of events” that have led Illinois to the position it is currently in.
“Many of the Democratic Party leaders/elected officials are beyond corrupt (this happens in all parties; however, observe who is in charge, then observe the current circumstances),” Gasca said. “We the People CAN elect new officials: people who truly care in their hearts about you and your family.”
“It is time for us to take a stand, take action in a way that is right (if you don’t know how, just ask), and use extreme discernment when it comes to voting. We CAN fight back peacefully. We CAN use our backbone and take a stance against this disgusting display of self-interest.”
“The goal here is not to produce fear; it is for the purpose of demonstrable action-taking and eye-opening,” Gasca further stated in her Facebook post. “I committed to use my 14 years of college to put things together in such a way that we see trends and can put 2-and-2 together.”
“Therefore, I am calling on our Governor, Mr. Pritzker, and EQUALLY, our Senator Mr. Michael Hastings, for answers as to why they are voting on and passing laws that are against the will of the people, and are clearly unconstitutional. We demand answers and a detailed plan of action… it should be transparent, clear (not a bunch of jargon/strategic manipulation of rhetoric to confuse everyone and come across vague so they can continue to slither into loopholes to commit treason), concise, and without political rhetoric that elevates themselves above us, the People.”
John Biver from the Illinois Family Institute discussed Illinois’ transformation into a sanctuary state through Senate Bill 31 (SB 31), initially known as the “Trust Act” and criticized the transformation, arguing that it aligns with leftist goals of welcoming future Democratic Party voters and highlights the strategic use of language in such legislative maneuvers. Contrary to claims of the change being mere semantics, the amended bill now explicitly prohibits law enforcement from detaining individuals based solely on immigration status without a judicial warrant or probable cause of criminal activity. The removal of specific facility-related language from the original version makes the law more broadly applicable. Despite attempts to downplay its sanctuary status, the essence of SB 31 remains consistent in hindering state and local law enforcement from enforcing immigration laws.
With a diverse background spanning radio, counseling and business, Gasca has made significant contributions to various domains. Since March 2018, she has been actively engaged as the Radio Program Content Coordinator and Data Analyst at Moody Radio. Gasca extends her commitment to fostering positive change through the ownership and operation of God Heard LLC, a multifaceted platform established in July 2021, according to her LinkedIn profile. Through this venture, she offers pastoral counseling, life coaching, and business consulting services, thereby expanding her influence in these interconnected fields.
According to a recent report from WBEZ Chicago, there were unprecedented record numbers of illegals apprehended at the southwest border in the last week of December 2023. In fact, it was reported in the last five days of December alone that over 50,000 illegals crossed our southwest border.
One might ask: when did we decide it would be good for the U.S. to become the number one WELFARE COUNTRY in the world? We CANNOT keep funding the system to support more and more illegal immigrants. It’s UNSUSTAINABLE! Unless, of course, you want the United States to become more like Illinois –a state where we have unfunded mandates but keep spending like drunken sailors.
The funding for illegals is becoming more like the state pension system in Illinois, with more debt piled on more debt, and NO accountability. The can just keeps getting “kicked down the road” for future generations to deal with!
In 2019, Tom Homan, former Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under President Trump, warned members of a congressional hearing about the serious threat to our national security caused by the invasion of illegals at our Southern border.
Homan has over 34 years of experience as a Border Patrol agent. He certainly has the experience, background, and wisdom to know what he’s talking about. He spoke to members of Congress about sanctuary cities “shielding” illegal immigrants, now referred to as “undocumented” citizens by the Biden administration.
These are the same illegals that receive “free” medical care, “free” housing or lodging, and even “free” college education. What more could anyone ask for? (By the way, these “free” items are not free. Who’s kidding who? They are paid for by hardworking Americans like you and me.)
So, why is there such an enormous INVASION at the Southern Border, you ask?
Well, other than offering illegals FREE EVERYTHING — the Biden Administration has canceled Title 42, construction of the border wall, and any real enforcement of immigration laws at the southwest border, as well as turning border agents into immigrant processing agents. Then there’s the reinstatement of the “catch-and-release” program.
Border Patrol agents are now forced to release illegals into our communities rather than transfer them to ICE.
Add to that the “MONEY FACTOR.” A host of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are facilitating lawlessness for the Biden border crisis by applying for and receiving tax dollars to provide processing and transportation services, thereby making possible the migration of aliens or illegal immigrants INTO the INTERIOR of AMERICA! In short, they are making BILLIONS of dollars supporting the invasion of illegals into America.
That’s right! It’s not enough that our southwest border is flooded by illegals that are invading America and we are handing out all these “freebies” as incentives, but as taxpayers, we go above and beyond that for these illegals by providing transportation services to ANYWHERE they want to go in the U.S. Such a deal!
These NGOs not only provide shelter and food, but they also purchase plane, train, and bus tickets for these illegals. A good chunk of those dollars come from – you guessed it – hardworking American taxpayers and legal citizens living in the great U.S. of A.
According to the Heritage Foundation and their investigation called the “Oversight Project,” 30 NGOs in the border states were monitored by tracking cell phones. These tracked cell phones demonstrated that illegals were sent into 431/435 Congressional districts in the U.S.
In addition, out of 3400 “pings” following Catholic Charities, one of the largest NGOs, over the course of 30 days, phones pinged in all but 2 Congressional districts.
Americans are being forced to pay for this massive invasion and the resettlement of illegal immigrants across America!
Of course, NGOs like Catholic Charities will claim they are merely helping a “vulnerable population,” but who are they kidding? They are FINANCIALLY CLEANING UP!
We all know that the Biden administration is not equipped to handle the flood of illegals at the southwest border by themselves. They rely heavily on NGOs to do the work, especially when it comes to transporting, lodging, and counseling these millions of illegals in the U.S.
In return, the Biden Administration pays BILLIONS of dollars to these NGOs. Billions of taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars.
These BILLIONS of dollars have led to and supported this MASS INVASION and the obnoxious amount of misused and unaccounted funds that go to these prominent NGOs.
As mentioned, Catholic Charities in the USA is one of the largest U.S. charities involved in illegal immigration. It received over $1.4 BILLION in grants from our federal government in 2022 to support the migration of illegals.
Another prominent NGO, Lutheran Immigration and Referred Services received $93 million in 2022 in U.S. government grants.
In addition, Church World Services in 2022 received $20.5 million in grant funds and the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society received $40.9 million.
Even the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services received 10 Federal grants worth several billion dollars.
We are talking about BILLIONS of taxpayers’ dollars going to fund illegals both along the border and inside the interior of the U.S.
How can we as legal U.S. citizens and Americans continue to sit idly by and watch this massive invasion of illegals supported by the Biden Administration continue? It’s INSANE!
We CANNOT continue to sit silently by and watch as the LEFT and these NGOs claim the higher moral ground as mass illegal migration continues, and as they continue to profit from this insanity.
This concerns national security, public safety, and economic security threats to America!
As Homan stated, this RESETTLEMENT Program will lead to most people in the U.S. becoming dependent on the government. This will lead to massive changes in our population. This will lead to our culture being watered down and the destruction of common American traditions. It will lead to permanent changes in demographics.
In addition, in June 2023, the Biden Administration opened the first of 100 regional processing centers or “Safe Mobility Offices”in Guatemala. Expect more of these so-called “Safe Mobility Offices” to open in Costa Rica and Colombia in 2024, as well. Yes, you read that correctly. American taxpayers are paying to open centers in OTHER countries for processing illegal immigrants.
Maybe the Biden Administration thinks if they open processing offices OUTSIDE OF THE U.S., illegals won’t overcrowd our southern border and it will look like they solved the illegal immigration problem. What a joke, but it’s not! This is serious money, and it is a SERIOUS problem involving national security!
Biden’s deliberate INACTION has left Gov. Greg Abbott and the state of Texas to fend for themselves. Abbott’s solution is called Operation Lone Star, and it allows the Texas police to do what the Biden Administration won’t do – arrest illegal aliens. Of course, what is the Biden Administration doing in response? It is SUING Texas.
Gov. Abbott did the right thing. In Texas, they passed legislation to mirror federal immigration laws, which Biden refuses to enforce, to reduce illegal immigration and enhance the safety of Texans. Then, Gov. Abbott started sending the illegals to “sanctuary cities” – after all, it was those same cities that received government grants for providing sanctuary to illegal immigrants. It makes sense, doesn’t it, to send illegals where the money went for taking care of them in the first place?
Oh, but this is where the story turns really interesting.
Chicago’s Mayor Johnson, along with other major Democratic city mayors, took federal tax dollars – BILLIONS over the last few years – to provide housing, food, and transportation for illegals. In fact, just last May, Chicago received a $51 million grant for migrant housing. Then in October, Illinois received another $11 million in grants for migrant assistance in the suburbs.
Then in November, Chicago received an additional $160 million grant for “shelter” of immigrants. Previously, Chicago received a $320 million grant for illegal immigration support.
But it seems things changed rather quickly for Chicago Mayor Johnson and those other mayors of sanctuary cities. Especially when Governor Abbott started sending illegals into their municipalities, those same mayors started to throw their hands up and ask the federal government to step in and send more funds! These same mayors, including Chicago City Mayor Johnson, all claimed victim status and cried,
“We need more money!”
Well, it turns out that Chicago Mayor Johnson also recently passed an executive order defining the terms and limitations as to dates, times, and locations for when exactly the illegals can be “received” in Chicago. That’s right!
The order fines bus companies for disobeying “drop-off protocols” for illegal immigrants in Chicago. According to the executive order, ONLY 2 buses can arrive EACH hour at 800 S. Des Plaines in Chicago, between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm, and ONLY Monday through Friday!
So, maybe that’s why we had 355 illegal immigrants recently sent to Rockford, Illinois via a Boeing 777 from San Antonio, Texas, on January 1, 2024, at 1 AM! These same immigrants were then transported to the Chicago landing zone, escorted by the Winnebago County sheriffs.
State Representative Nicole La Ha (R-Homer Glen) is actively campaigning to raise awareness about human trafficking, underlining the necessity of collective efforts to eradicate this grave crime. Dressed in a conspicuous blue outfit, La Ha participated in the campaign against human trafficking and promoted a Blue Campaign advertisement on her social media platforms.
“Wearing my brightest blue today to raise awareness and join in the fight to end human trafficking,” La Ha stated on her Facebook post sharing the campaign ad from DHS.
The timing of this initiative is critical as Illinois ranks 9th among U.S. states for human trafficking incidents in 2022. Although around 300 cases of human trafficking were reported in the state in 2020, global estimates indicate that approximately 25 million individuals worldwide are victims of human trafficking. A report from WCBU underscores that human trafficking occurs “most certainly in Central Illinois.”
In Chicago, according to Insider Monkey, the rate of human trafficking crimes stands at 0.02%. Disturbing statistics reveal that over 16,000 women and girls become victims of trafficking annually. Shockingly, 62% are under 18 years old and nearly 30% are below the age of 15. These figures have led the FBI to categorize Chicago as a “High-Intensity Child Prostitution” hotspot. Therefore, initiatives like Webb’s presentation become even more crucial in addressing this urgent issue.
Former U.S. Border Patrol agent Ammon Blair has exposed Mexican drug cartels’ extensive network involved in producing counterfeit documents for immigrants—a practice contributing significantly to child labor and human trafficking within the United States. According to Federal Newswire, these cartels create fake IDs—including state IDs and driver’s licenses—and steal American Social Security Numbers (SSNs), which they then sell to illegal immigrants. Despite the efforts of Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to seize these counterfeit IDs, this criminal activity continues unabated, complicating the process of accurately identifying individuals.
La Ha was recently appointed to fill the vacancy in the 82nd State House District following John Egofske’s resignation. The former Mrs. America, who previously served as press secretary for Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods), has a significant background in public advocacy and active involvement in charitable committees. Notably, she received the 2018 International Humanitarian Award for exceptional community service. La Ha’s campaign website prominently displays her unwavering commitment to community service, highlighting her election to the Village of Homer Glen Board of Trustees in 2021. During her term, she strongly opposed tax increases and played a key role in improving the quality of life for residents with disabilities.
La Ha is currently campaigning for a full term representing the 82nd District. The district includes Darien and Lemont in DuPage and Cook counties.
State Rep. Nicole La Ha (R-Homer Glen) has voiced her concerns over the growing number of residents leaving Illinois, attributing this exodus to high taxes and what she perceives as “out-of-touch public policies.” In an effort to reverse this trend, La Ha affirmed the commitment of House Republicans to transform Illinois into a more affordable and secure place for its residents.
“People are leaving Illinois in droves to escape high taxes and out-of-touch public policies,” La Ha said on Facebook. “House Republicans are fighting to make Illinois a more affordable and safe place to live, learn, work, and grow so we can get our state on a better path forward.”
La Ha’s concerns echo the findings of U-Haul’s 2023 Growth Index report. The report placed Illinois among the top three states with the highest number of outbound movers, surpassed only by California and Massachusetts. The report indicated that the preferred destinations for these movers were primarily located in the southeast and southwest regions of the United States.
According to WGNTV, Texas retained its position as the most popular state for migration for the second consecutive year and the sixth time in eight years. The U-Haul Growth Index calculates net gains based on one-way U-Haul trucks arriving compared to those departing. Although one-way transactions in 2023 were below peak levels observed during the pandemic, they continued to reflect similar geographical trends. Citing new Census reports, La Ha highlighted that Illinois had lost approximately 33,000 residents since July 2022.
Recently appointed to fill a vacancy in the 82nd State House District following John Egofske’s resignation, La Ha expressed gratitude upon her appointment while pledging to prioritize safe neighborhoods, exceptional schools, and lower taxes. Her appointment was announced by House Republican leaders who underscored her dedication towards children’s welfare and public safety, according to a previous DuPage Policy Journal report.
La Ha previously served as press secretary for Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods). Her extensive background in public advocacy, active involvement in charitable committees, and the 2018 International Humanitarian Award for exceptional community service are among her notable achievements, according to her website. She was elected to the Village of Homer Glen Board of Trustees in 2021, where she strongly opposed tax increases and played a crucial role in improving the quality of life for residents with disabilities.
La Ha’s current term as representative of House District 82 will end on Jan. 8, 2025. The district covers Darien and Lemont in DuPage and Cook counties. Democrat Suzanne Akhras is also listed by Ballotpedia as another candidate running to represent the district.
Illinois 11 Congressional Candidate Susan Hathaway-Altman Wins McHenry County GOPAC Straw Poll
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Susan Hathaway-Altman, Susan4Congress
January 25, 2024, 18:00 GMT
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Susan Hathaway-Altman Republican for Congress IL-11
I believe in a better America, one where the rights and freedoms of all people are respected and enforced.”
— Susan Hathaway-Altman
WOODSTOCK, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES, January 25, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — On Wednesday, January 24th, Illinois’ 11th District Candidate for U.S. Congress, Susan Hathaway-Altman was announced the winner of the McHenry County GOPAC Straw Poll. Votes cast for Hathaway-Altman were more than double the votes for her two opponents combined, making her the clear favorite of the night.
McHenry County is a key geography for Illinois’ District 11. Attendees of the 2024 Primary Election Republican Candidate Forum in Woodstock were each invited to vote for the candidate they supported after listening for over an hour to all 3 candidates answer questions posed by a panel of 4 prominent McHenry County Republican leaders. The room erupted in applause after Hathaway-Altman was declared the winner, with comments overheard such as “she’s feisty!” and “a real spitfire!”, as well as “she gave them a real run for their money!”
“I am elated to have earned the support of the overwhelming majority of those present at the McHenry County GOPAC Straw Poll!” said Susan Hathaway Altman. “I look forward to earning the same trust and support from all of the residents of the 11th District.”
This month Hathaway-Altman was endorsed by the following prominent elected officials and Republican leaders who believe Susan’s “Path to a Better America” is the right choice to represent suburban families:
• Laura Pollastrini, Illinois Republican Party Treasurer and 11th District Republican State Central Committeeman • Illinois State Senator Dave Syverson • Illinois State Senator Don DeWitte • Kane County Coroner Rob Russell • Steve Balich, Republican Leader of the Will County Board and District 4 Board Member • Antonio P. Cundari, President of Prella Technologies, Inc. and Chairman of the Western Kane Townships Republican Organization • Former Aurora Chief of Police Larry Langston • Gary Daugherty, Kane County Board Member • David Young, Kane County Board Member
And most recently by:
• Chris Lauzen, Kane County Treasurer and former Kane County Board Chairman and Illinois State Senator.
“I believe in a better America, one where the rights and freedoms of all people are respected and enforced,” said Susan Hathaway Altman. “Our district needs a representative with values, outstanding skills and incredible passion; someone who is willing to fight relentlessly to uphold the rights and freedoms enshrined for us in the Constitution. I am the right person to stand up for the voices of the men, women and families of the 11th District, who are being ignored by our current Representative, Bill Foster and the special interests of him and his opponent, Qasim Rashid. Sending me to Congress will assure we’re represented once again and that has never been more important than today. Step one is a win in the Primary and Vote by Mail starts here in Illinois on February 8th.”
Posted Tue, Jan 9, 2024 at 1:17 pm CT|Updated Tue, Jan 9, 2024 at 1:24 pm CT
The complaint seeks damages for physical and emotional damages suffered by the victim, the law firm said. (Shutterstock)
LOCKPORT, IL — A Lockport Township High School student’s parents have filed a lawsuit against Lockport Township High School District 205 alleging a sexual assault that happened in 2022, according to a release from GWC Injury Lawyers, LLC.
The suit names the school district, Superintendent Robert McBride and Assistant Superintendent Anthony Cundari as defendants.
The suit claims that a student of LTHS, referred to as “Jane Doe,” had traveled to Andrew High School in Tinley Park as a member of a sports team. While at the school, she was forcibly raped by a fellow LTHS student, according to a release from the law firm.
The complaint filed in Cook County court, since that is where the assault took place, states that the assailant had multiple prior sexual assault allegations.
According to the complaint, McBride, Cundari and other District 205 officials knew that Doe’s assailant had an extensive history of sexual assault allegations, “yet inadequate, or no steps at all, were taken to prevent Doe’s assailant from committing another sexual assault at this school sporting event,” the law firm said.
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The complaint seeks damages for physical and emotional damages suffered by the victim, the law firm said.
“The damages suffered by Doe are the most unimaginable, life-altering damages that can occur to a young girl. The emotional scarring will never heal. Students should be safe during school activities,” GWC lead counsel, Timothy J. Keiser, said in a release. “Parents should have the peace of mind that their children will remain safe when they are at school or participating in school-sanctioned events. Unfortunately, Doe and her family have had their peace of mind and sense of safety stripped away and trampled upon by the District’s conscious disregard for the health, safety and well-being of this young girl.”
“The allegations of the Complaint suggest that given the District’s advanced knowledge of the assailant’s history, the District is the only party involved that was not shocked that this sexual assault occurred. Doe seeks and deserves justice from the District, given its knowledge of the assailant’s propensities, as well as its responsibility to prevent such a heinous act from ever occurring at a school event,” Keiser said.
According to the court complaint, in 2021, local law enforcement investigated a complaint a student made about the same offending student, who had touched the victim inappropriately. In March 2022, another student told an LTHS employee the offending student had sexually assaulted them. Law enforcement investigated and took statements.
“Despite knowledge of two prior sexual attacks, District 205 permitted the assailant to continue living an otherwise normal high school experience,” the complaint states.
The complaint states that the assailant was taken into custody by law enforcement after the assault in Tinley Park. The student transferred schools without undergoing formal expulsion proceedings.
The initial case management date is set for March 13 at 9:30 a.m., according to the law firm.
Patch has reached out to LTHS District for comment.
(ConservativeInsider.org) – Ohio GOP Representative Bill Johnson’s early departure from the House tightens the Republicans’ slim majority in Congress. He announced on January 2 that he would step down on January 21 before assuming the presidency of Youngstown State University in March.
In his resignation letter, Johnson expressed pride in his district, describing it as “proud and patriotic,” but also alluded to neglect by “America’s elites.” He emphasized the crucial role of blue-collar communities, often called “flyover country,” in building the nation’s history and stressed their importance in America’s future. WFMJ reported that he humbly acknowledged being repeatedly elected to serve these communities.
After Johnson’s exit, the House will consist of 219 Republicans, 213 Democrats, and three vacancies. With only 219 Republicans, the GOP can only afford to lose two votes on any party-line issues with full attendance. Kevin McCarthy, the former Speaker, left on December 31, and George Santos, the GOP Representative from New York, was expelled last month.
The slimmer majority could pose challenges, particularly as spending bills are required to keep the government open. Additionally, the House faces pressing matters like funding for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and supporting Israel amid ongoing operations in Gaza following the October 7 attack by Hamas. The government funding legislation is set to expire in two stages: January 19 and February 2, following Johnson’s planned departure.
A special election has been scheduled for February 13 to fill the vacancy left by Santos in New York’s third Congressional District. Former Democratic Representative Tom Souzzi, nominated by his party, aims to reclaim the seat he vacated to pursue the governorship.
Republicans have selected Mazi Melesa Pilip, a Nassau County Legislature member. Born in Ethiopia, she moved to Israel at 12 and arrived in the US in 2005. The race is close, with one poll showing Souzzi leading Pilip by three points.
New York Democratic Representative Brian Higgins, 64, will depart from the House next month, providing the GOP with some breathing room. He cited frustration with the slow pace of progress in Washington as a factor in his decision.
Senate District 19 candidate Samantha Gasca has called for comprehensive information regarding illegal immigrants, urging Gov. J.B. Pritzker to provide detailed data on those entering the state.
Gasca emphasized the need for information such as the total number of individuals who have crossed the border illegally, health screenings, criminal background checks, tracking of their whereabouts and legislative measures to keep the public informed.
“We the People of Illinois must band together and rise up to demand our leader/governor inform us thoroughly regarding the illegal immigration issue,” Gasca said on Facebook.
“Some excellent/quality data we might like to see would be things such as: 1) Total number of peoples who have crossed the border illegally— federally, state-wide, and within/around local municipalities; 2) Have they been screened for sickness, especially Covid?; 3) What is the status of their criminal background checks (If any have been reviewed)?; 4) Have we tracked their whereabouts including location of residence (e.g., in case we find out someone is a sex offender or sex/drug/arms trafficker), 5) Do we have legislature imagined going forward to make sure neighbors are informed, and 6) Are we checking their luggage, like all must even submit to in order to fly?”
“During Covid, Mr. Pritzker held what may have been daily briefings providing large sums of data. However in a particularly ‘touchy’ bipartisan situation politically, there is much silence. PR move? Out of touch? Lack of concern for what the majority of the state wants, as opposed to the desire to drive forward personal agendas?”
“We Illinoisans should be aware when undocumented peoples— here illegally— are living in our neighborhoods… could this tracking system be wise for such reasons as we might track potential traffickers, drug distributors, predators, thievery, etc.? Parents should be informed when their children are among/being exposed and indoctrinated with anti-American rhetoric.”
“We have a right to know how much we are spending to house those who are not tax paying citizens… tax dollars skyrocketing and pension funds going deduct, yet we are playing political games with people’s lives. Absolutely terrible.”
There are significant concerns from many that the tens of thousands illegal immigrants entering the state have not had appropriate background checks.
Pat Gibbons, a Chicago activist, recently echoed Gasca’s concerns in a press conference, emphasizing the potential health risks associated with the migrant influx.
He pointed to reported cases of scabies and measles in police districts where undocumented immigrants have sought shelter.
Gibbons underscored the need for a thorough vetting process and proper background checks for individuals entering the city.
Highlighting the situation with Venezuela, he expressed worry about individuals being released from jails and arriving in Chicago.
“The fact is,Venezuela is emptying the jails, crossing the southern border illegally and coming into Chicago,” Gibbons said.
Despite the city’s welcoming nature, Gibbons noted that the community feels uneasy due to the lack of information about these newcomers, emphasizing the paramount importance of knowing the members of their community, especially for the safety of children.
“We are a loving people. At the end of the day, we accept all people. But the neighborhood, the community feels unsafe because we simply do not know who they are. But we know who our children are,” Gibbons said.
Ammon Blair, a former US Border Patrol agent, revealed an extensive network operated by Mexican drug cartels and criminal smugglers in producing fake documents for immigrants, contributing to rising child labor and human trafficking issues in the United States, according to Federal News Wire.
Blair highlighted that cartels create counterfeit State Identification cards, Driver’s Licenses and steal American Social Security Numbers (SSNs), selling these fraudulent documents to illegal aliens.
Blair pointed out that cartels exploit the vulnerabilities of the Southern border, engaging in the production of fake documents for Unidentified Alien Children (UACs), contributing to child labor and human trafficking problems in the United States.
Despite efforts by Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to confiscate counterfeit IDs, the prevalence of this criminal activity persists, with significant challenges in verifying the accurate identification of individuals involved.
Meanwhile a record-high number of individuals, 160 in total, listed on the terror watchlist were stopped from entering the US illegally at its borders by Sept. 2023, according to government statistics reported by the New York Post.
This marks a significant increase from the previous year’s 98 apprehensions.
The identities of those on the watchlist are closely guarded to avoid diplomatic incidents, tip-offs to terrorists and cartels, or retribution, citing national security threats.
The surge in attempts to cross the US borders by individuals on the watchlist has been noted since President Joe Biden took office, with concerns about terrorists and criminal actors exploiting the complex security environment.
Despite the record numbers, government officials emphasize that encounters with known or suspected terrorists at the southern border remain uncommon, representing less than 0.01% of total encounters in recent years.
Gasca has a diverse background spanning radio, counseling and business.
Since March 2018, she has been actively engaged as the Radio Program Content Coordinator and Data Analyst at Moody Radio.
Gasca also owns and operates God Heard LLC, a multifaceted platform established in July 2021. Through this venture, she offers pastoral counseling, life coaching, and business consulting services, thereby expanding her influence in these interconnected fields.
Senate District 19 includes all or parts of Lockport, New Lenox, Mokena, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Homer Glen, Joliet, Richton Park, University Park, Matteson, Homewood, Flossmoor, Park Forest, Olympia Fields, Country Club Hills, Hazel Crest, Markham and Oak Forest.
District 19 is currently being represented by Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort).
The Chicago Board of Education is preparing to remove police officers from public high schools. Local School Councils already have the power to remove officers, but district leaders are taking away that local control. From Illinois Policy
The Chicago Board of Education is reportedly preparing to remove police officers from high school buildings in the fall.
Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Teachers Union leadership have vocally opposed police officers being stationed in Chicago Public Schools buildings. The school board was appointed by Johnson, a former CTU organizer, and will vote on whether to renew the $10.3 million police contract this summer.
During his campaign, Johnson said police “have no place in schools.” Once in office he ultimately deferred to Local School Councils to vote on whether to keep police officers in schools.
CTU leadership advocates police-free schools, claiming a police presence “perpetuate the racist school-to-prison pipeline.” They also took legislative action to push policies that could put other students in danger by restricting police presence and discipline of students.
Research on the effectiveness of school resource officers varies. That shows the importance of letting decisions rest with local leaders, who understand the environment and needs of their own community and schools.
The Chicago Board of Education wants to take away that autonomy from principals, teachers and families. It is expected to unilaterally decide to remove police officers from high schools.
Taking decision-making away from local leadership
Each school in CPS is different. Principals and other community members on Local School Councils understand the environment and needs of their schools. They are best equipped to determine the necessity of school resource officers.
CPS formerly provided every high school with two police officers. In 2019, CPS gave authority to Local School Councils to determine whether to keep the officers. No schools removed officers that first year.
During the next four years, Local School Councils in 25 high schools voted to remove all officers. This school year, just 16 high schools have two officers and another 23 have one officer. There are 91 traditional high schools in CPS.
Now CPS and CTU leadership want to remove all officers from Chicago high schools regardless of the wishes of local school council members. Some principals are voicing disagreement with this proposal by the board.
William Howard Taft High School Principal Mark Grishaber said, “I think a blanket (school resource officer) policy for the entire district in terms of safety is not the best for” Taft and some other schools. Most students and faculty at Taft support having police officers assigned to campus.
CTU advocates for fewer police in schools, other polices that could harm safety
This isn’t the first time CTU has advocated for situations that could put students at risk.
The union lodged a witness slip in favor of a bill allowing the Illinois State Board of Education to award competitive grants to districts that reallocate funding away from school-based law enforcement personnel to other practices, such as “restorative justice programs” and use of social workers. Grant funds were explicitly prohibitedfrom being used to increase the use of school-based security personnel.
Similarly, CTU lodged its opposition to a bill allowing school safety and security grants to law enforcement agencies to help defray the costs associated with hiring a school resource officer.
And the union also opposed using metal detectors in schools, objecting to a bill requiring public schools to install walk-through metal detectors at public entrances and directing the Illinois State Board of Education to make grants available, subject to appropriation. The bill also would have required metal detectors at institutions of higher education, hospitals and courthouses.
January 9, 2024 5:00 AM
