Dupage Policy Journal

Mark Rice, a candidate for the 8th Congressional District, has criticized Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's refusal to revoke the city's "sanctuary status," which he perceives as a method to control the influx of illegal migrants. Rice claims that Johnson's strategy is motivated by an attempt to secure additional federal funds for the immigration crisis from supportive politicians in Washington, D.C., including his opponent U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.).

“Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson won’t end the ‘sanctuary status’ to stem the influx of illegal migrants into the city,” Rice said.

“Why? Because it’s way easier to get his Democrat Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi out of Crook County to try to secure more federal money for the immigration racket they created. Notice how you will never see Raja go down to the border to see the caravans and inhumane problem his party allowed to get out of control the last few years.”

“Why? Because it’s so much easier for this career establishment empty suit to extend his hand out for more of our federal tax money to temporarily put a bandaid on the problem,” Rice further said on Facebook. “Then Raja gets a nice pat on the back from Brandon Johnson. Then Brandon Johnson allocates the federal money to vendors who donated to his campaign. #CloseTheBorder will never happen when you have democrats on the take.”

In November, Mayor Johnson met with Representative Krishnamoorthi in Washington D.C., advocating for increased federal assistance. As reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, Johnson lobbied both the Biden White House and some Democrats in Congress for $5 billion in migrant assistance. This figure significantly exceeds the administration's request for $1.4 billion. Johnson emphasized the unsustainable burden Chicago is grappling with and expressed concerns about the escalating costs of managing the crisis. While he secured commitments for additional resources, the exact amount remains uncertain, and it is unlikely that the Biden administration will support a $5 billion request.

These recent comments from Johnson contrast with his statements during his mayoral campaign in March 2023. He tweeted at the time, "Chicago must lead with and live by the promise to be a sanctuary city," adding that "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." He also affirmed that "Immigrants are welcome here."

Rice's campaign for the 8th Congressional District centers on key issues such as promoting economic growth, upholding fiscal responsibility, implementing tax relief, and addressing immigration reform and border security. A resident of Illinois for 35 years, Rice currently serves as CEO of Energy CX, an energy sector company recognized nationally under his leadership. The team of 70 professionals he leads has established Energy CX as a leader in providing comprehensive energy solutions, according to rice4congress.com.

The 8th Congressional District spans northern Cook County, northern DuPage County, and northeast Kane County. It is presently represented by Krishnamoorthi who was elected to Congress in 2016 and is now serving his fourth term as Illinois’ 8th District U.S. Representative, according to his website.