Kane is complicit in supporting the state over it's own citizens

to protect kane citizens Illinois and kane Must Reconsider Its Sanctuary Policies

The horrific allegations surrounding the kidnapping and sexual assault of a 9-year-old Kane County girl have shocked our community and left parents asking a difficult question:

Could this tragedy have been prevented?

According to Kane County court records, Janio G. Velasquez Muro has been charged with:

• Aggravated Kidnapping of a Child Under 13 (Class X Felony)
• Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child (Class X Felony)
• Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 2 Felony)
• Sexual Exploitation of a Child (Class A Misdemeanor)

Although presumed innocent, Mr. Velasquez Muro remains in custody for the prior allegations. 

The allegations themselves have reignited an important discussion about Illinois' sanctuary policies and whether they serve the best interests of public safety.

DHS Requests Illinois Cooperate with ICE

Following the arrest, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had lodged an immigration detainer and publicly urged Governor J.B. Pritzker and Illinois officials not to release the suspect before federal authorities have an opportunity to assume custody.

In its July 9 statement, DHS criticized Illinois' sanctuary policies, arguing they interfere with federal immigration enforcement and place communities at unnecessary risk.

Understanding Illinois' TRUST Act

Illinois became one of the nation's first sanctuary states with passage of the Illinois TRUST Act.

The law generally prohibits local law enforcement agencies from holding individuals solely on behalf of federal immigration authorities unless specific legal requirements are met. Supporters argue the law encourages undocumented immigrants to report crimes and cooperate with police without fear that routine interactions will lead to deportation.   It further makes Illinois a destination for illegal aliens, especially criminals who find protection under the act.  And it often prevents local officials from fully cooperating with ICE, even when individuals are accused or convicted of serious crimes.

This case has renewed calls for lawmakers to reexamine whether the TRUST Act appropriately balances community trust with public safety.

The Supremacy Clause Debate

Critics of the TRUST Act frequently point to the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution.

Found in Article VI, Clause 2, the Supremacy Clause provides that the U.S. Constitution, federal statutes, and treaties are the "supreme Law of the Land." When a valid federal law conflicts with state law, federal law prevails.

Because immigration enforcement is primarily a federal responsibility, opponents of sanctuary policies argue Illinois should not enact laws that impede cooperation with federal immigration authorities. They contend that limiting cooperation frustrates Congress's intent and makes it more difficult for ICE to remove individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States and accused or convicted of violent crimes.

Supporters of the TRUST Act counter that while federal immigration law remains supreme, states generally cannot be compelled to use their own personnel or resources to carry out federal immigration enforcement.  The issue here is that a 9 year old girl was raped in Illinois by an illegal alien.  It's in the best interests of the citizens of Kane County and the  State  of Illinois to cooperate.  That constitutional principle, often referred to as the "anti-commandeering doctrine," has been recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Regardless of the legal debate, the practical question remains:

Should Illinois voluntarily cooperate with federal immigration authorities when someone is accused of kidnapping or sexually assaulting a child?

Many Illinois residents believe the answer should be yes.

Public Safety Should Be the First Priority

The overwhelming majority of immigrants—whether they are citizens, lawful permanent residents, visa holders, or undocumented individuals—are not violent criminals.

This discussion is not about painting millions of people with the same brush.

It is about what government should do when someone accused of committing one of the most horrific crimes imaginable is also allegedly in the country illegally.

Government exists first and foremost to protect innocent people.  Why isn't Illinois or Kane doing more.  Prosecution after a crime is less desirable than preventing the crime in the first place.

If Illinois law makes it more difficult for federal immigration authorities to remove individuals accused of violent crimes, lawmakers have a responsibility to ask whether those policies should be changed.

Kane County Board is weak

During the Kane County board meeting on Monday July 14th (video here) one citizen expressed outrage at the sexual assault by the illegal.  As she sat down, someone yelled and called her racist.  "Racist" seems to be the new trigger word that can be used to divert from the real issue, in this case an illegal alien, protected by Pritker's policies, have stolen the innocence of a 9 year old girl and her family.  But to protect the narrative, weak people yell "racist." 

Kane County Residents Deserve Answers

While Springfield enacted the TRUST Act, Kane officials also play an important role.

Residents deserve clear answers to several questions:

• Does Kane County fully cooperate with ICE when violent offenders are involved?
• Are county policies more restrictive than state law requires?
• Should Kane County advocate for changes to the TRUST Act?
• Should violent felons accused of crimes against children be treated differently under Illinois law?

These are not partisan questions.

They are public safety questions.

Immigration and Public Safety Are Not the Same Debate

America has long benefited from legal immigration.

Millions of immigrants have built businesses, served in the military, raised families, and strengthened communities across Illinois and throughout the nation.

Supporting legal immigration and demanding stronger cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE in cases involving violent offenders are not mutually exclusive positions.

Reasonable people can support both.

One Victim Is One Too Many

Nothing can undo the trauma allegedly inflicted upon this young girl and her family.

The criminal justice system will determine the guilt or innocence of the accused, and that process must be respected.

But Illinois lawmakers should also examine whether current sanctuary policies adequately protect the public.

If even one child can be spared from becoming the next victim through better coordination between local, state, and federal law enforcement, that conversation is worth having.

Politics should never take precedence over public safety.

When allegations involve the kidnapping and sexual assault of a 9-year-old child, protecting children should unite us regardless of party affiliation.

Because the first responsibility of government is not politics.

It is protecting the people it serves.