Dupage Policy Journal

Jerry Evans, a candidate for the 11th Congressional District, has publicly criticized President Joe Biden's border policies, highlighting their negative impact on the nation. These remarks came in response to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's alarming warning about the crisis of illegal immigration, indicating a departure from his previous position as an advocate for sanctuary cities.

“Time and again we have seen just how destructive the Biden border policies have been for our country,” Evans said on Facebook. “Maybe now that these policies are affecting us here in Illinois, our elected officials in Washington will start to address this problem.”

“We need border security and accountability now.”

According to Fox News, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a dire warning, stating that the entire country is in jeopardy without significant assistance from President Biden to address the overwhelming migrant crisis in his city, with over 20,000 migrants arriving since August 2022. Appearing on CNN, Johnson emphasized the need for a coordinated approach among state and national leaders, supported by substantial financial aid from the Biden administration. While touting his administration’s efforts in providing housing, healthcare and schooling for migrant families, he acknowledged that the city’s resources were stretched and unsustainable without federal support.

Johnson’s comments run counter to those he made while running for the mayor’s office in March 2023. He said that immigrants are welcome in the City of Chicago.

“Chicago must lead with and live by the promise to be a sanctuary city,” Johnson said in a tweet at the time. “Longtime Chicagoans don’t have to lose for new arrivals to gain — there’s enough space at the table for all of us to sit and eat.”

Evans, running his campaign with a focus on education and community service in the Chicago area, is a small businessman and founder of a suburban music school. A Wheaton College graduate with a degree in music, Evans, now residing in Warrenville with his wife and sons, is deeply involved in mentoring, missionary training, and participation in missions to India, Mexico, and South Africa. According to his campaign website, he was raised alongside his four siblings on the Midwestern values of hard work and community support.

The 11th Congressional District encompasses most of McHenry and Kane Counties and parts of Boone, Lake, DeKalb, DuPage, Cook and Will Counties. It is currently represented by U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL). The district has a population exceeding 700,000 according to the Census Bureau.