Dupage Policy Journal

Laura Hois, a Republican candidate for DuPage County Board, District 2, has sharply criticized current border policies following the high profile drug bust of two Mexican nationals arrested for possessing 17 kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl valued at $425,000.

Hois called for immediate action to close U.S. borders to halt the influx of deadly drugs. 

"As an area resident and leader, I’d like to see the U.S. borders closed immediately to stop the flow of cocaine and fentanyl into this country that is causing our young people to die or become permanently disabled," she told DuPage Policy Journal. "For what? For money. For the drug cartels’ profit. The counties in the U.S. that are complying with the Biden Administration’s drive to construct new mental health and substance abuse facilities are complicit and are part of the problem."

Hois sharply criticized the Biden Administration’s border policies and their alleged role in exacerbating mental health and substance abuse issues across the United States. 

"I think current border policies have caused the mental health and substance abuse problems the Biden Administration has created, and that big counties across the U.S. are being asked to foot the bill to provide solutions to these problems caused by bad government policies," Hois said. 

She also criticized the state’s subsidization of illegal immigrants. 

"Many questions remain unanswered as the radical left continues its relentless drive to grow government services which taxpayers will be forced to pay for in addition to their own families’ health insurance coverages," she said.  

Hois’ comments come after a July 3 drug bust in McHenry County led to the arrest of two Mexican nationals after police discovered 17 kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl valued at $425,000. 

Enrique Navar-Favela and Robert Cristian Chavez-Salgado were apprehended at a Super 8 motel where Chavez-Salgado was found with a duffel bag containing the drugs.

They face felony charges including possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. Navar-Favela, without U.S. identification, indicated plans to return to Mexico soon. 

Concerns over the lethal potency of fentanyl were underscored during court proceedings by Judge Carl Metz.

Since 2013, overdose deaths due to synthetic opioids like fentanyl have increased by an alarming 3,341%. 

Meanwhile, crimes associated with organized crime, often tied to foreign drug cartels operating within the state, including human trafficking, have seen a dramatic rise, with drug-related offenses leading the surge.

A 2024 Drug Enforcement Agency report paints a bleak picture of what it terms the "Deadliest Drug Crisis Ever" in the United States, focusing its attention on Chicago and the surrounding areas. 

The report starkly reveals that an overwhelming 80% of all street-level drugs circulating in Chicago are believed to originate from the Sinaloa cartel. 

Among these drugs, fentanyl has emerged as the most pressing concern, with Mexican cartels such as Sinaloa and New Generation dominating the trafficking networks. 

Furthermore, the report highlights the disturbing trend of digital drug dealing, cautioning against the hazards associated with purchasing pills through social media platforms, where substances like fentanyl are often misrepresented and pose lethal risks to unsuspecting users.

Over her 30-year legal career, Hois, a community leader, held positions at McDonald’s corporate. She brings expertise in real estate and franchise operations to the role. 

Hois is known for her advocacy efforts, having led efforts such as canceling Drag Queen Bingo for children in Downers Grove. Actively involved in community initiatives like Awake Illinois and local church activities.

She resides in Downers Grove with her husband and four children.