Dupage Policy Journal

Jeanne Ives, CEO of Breakthrough Ideas, said the effects sanctuary policies in the state and Chicago are becoming increasingly evident to suburban voters.

Ives' comments came as two illegal immigrants were arrested and charged in DuPage County for burglary and retail theft.

"No one should be surprised by this. Everyone is paying for lawless Biden and Democrat policies,” Ives told DuPage Policy Journal.

“Suburban voters are not insulated from open borders and soft on crime laws. Illegal aliens will soon be housed in our neighborhoods and supported in our schools. And American families struggling to pay for higher energy and food costs ARE now paying for people who broke the law to come here. No one should believe any Democrat politician that says they are concerned about this crisis. They knew this chaos would happen and wanted it."

Two Venezuelan migrants, Luis Mendez-Gomez, 28, and Frank Montez-Davila, 23, both currently residing in Chicago, were recently charged with the alleged theft of over $2,800 worth of merchandise from the Oak Brook Macy's store.

The charges come after Oak Brook police officers observed the individuals carrying a "happy birthday" bag and a backpack filled with merchandise as they exited the store. Following a traffic stop, law enforcement reportedly discovered sixteen high-end fragrances and one pair of pants in the vehicle.

Authorities emphasized their commitment to protecting retail establishments and prosecuting individuals accused of theft, especially during the upcoming holiday shopping season.

“With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, I want to assure the public that in DuPage County we are one hundred percent committed to protecting our retail establishments, their employees and patrons, and anyone accused of robbing, burglarizing or shoplifting from any DuPage County business will be apprehended, charged and prosecuted,” Dupage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin said in a press release.

“According to the National Retail Federation, from 2021 to 2022, retail theft nationwide increased by approximately $16 billion to more than $112 billion. These losses not only cause significant financial hardship to businesses and their employees, but also result in higher prices for shoppers and loss of tax revenue for the entire community.

The 16th & 17th District Chicago Police Scanner X account posted a link to the press release.

In Chicago, the Chicago Contrarian has raised concerns about the presence of members of the Venezuelan prison gang, "Tren De Aragua / TdA," among asylum seekers, known for their extreme brutality and involvement in violent criminal activities.

A purported member of Tren De Aragua been arrested twice in Chicago, using different names, raising questions about sanctuary city policies.

The gang has been linked to various violent criminal activities, including murder, drug trafficking, kidnapping, arms trafficking, human trafficking, and extortion. It has expanded its influence across several South American countries, prompting concerns about its rapid growth and potential threats.

The concern regarding the presence of such illegal immigrants has emerged in the context of proposed "Johnsonville" tent cities, part of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's plan to establish winterized tents for housing migrants.

Protests have erupted in neighborhoods where such tent cities are expected to house around 1,600 illegal immigrants, with reports of rampant illegal activities like prostitution.