Dupage Policy Journal

Former Winfield Trustee Angel Oakley said she is "acutely aware" that sanctuary policies in the state are negatively impacting illinoisans, including law enforcement. 

Oakley, who is a write-in candidate for Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District after being stricken from the ballot after a challenge, shared her concerns about the wider impact of the border crisis on local communities.  

“Illinois Legislators should be prioritizing Illinois citizens; instead, they have fueled this humanitarian crisis," Oakley told DuPage Policy Journal. 

The TRUST Act of 2017, which established Illinois as a sanctuary state, has come under intense scrutiny as the state grapples with a surge in criminal activity among illegal aliens. 

Oakley argues that Illinois' sanctuary policies have created a situation where local law enforcement faces significant challenges.

“Criminal activity in Illinois, Chicago, and Congressional District 3 needs to be addressed,” Oakley said. “Gang activity and violence have been a problem in Chicago for decades, and I would like to work with area leaders and policymakers to implement a multi-pronged solution. I value our law enforcement officers, and while we must be tough on crime, we must be equally committed to effective prevention and rehabilitation.”

Recent reports have spotlighted an alarming increase in gang-related activities within the state. 

Notably, there has been a surge in human trafficking and drug dealing connected to foreign cartels, which critics argue is exacerbated by the state's sanctuary policies. 

Illinois has seen nearly 700,000 undocumented residents arrive under these policies, costing taxpayers billions annually.

Oakley is particularly concerned about the presence of the Tren De Aragua gang, a criminal organization from Venezuela, in Illinois.  

“I would like to know the extent of Tren De Aragua member infiltration in Illinois,” Oakley said. “While we know gang members are within the US, the specifics of location and numbers appear speculative. Gang members and criminals need to be detained and deported, not released. US Officials are in a precarious position given the situation in Venezuela, the lack of cooperation with Maduro, and the report from DHS indicating criminal migration to the US. While Biden can and should invoke 212F, Congress also needs to act. Catch and Release is a harmful policy. Citizens have a right to know more about the individuals Illinois and the Federal Government are funding.”

The scrutiny of Illinois’ sanctuary policies is compounded by recent coverage from NBC Chicago, which confirmed the presence of the Tren de Aragua gang in the state. 

There have been numerous 911 calls alleging that members of the Tren de Aragua gang—a notorious criminal organization from Venezuela—have taken over an apartment building on South King Drive. 

“I spoke with legal Mexican immigrants in Logan Square recently,” Oakley said. “They expressed frustrations with the influx of migrants from Venezuela.”

Adding to the tension, a threatening message posted on TikTok has stoked fears of escalating violence. 

An individual who claimed to have knowledge of and involvement with native Chicago street gangs issued a chilling warning: “This ain’t Colorado. This is just like where you’re from. The only difference is… we got switches.” 

In this context, a “switch” refers to a device that converts a semi-automatic firearm into an automatic weapon. 

Oakley’s comments reflect a broader concern about escalating tensions and the perceived need for cooperative action among legislators, law enforcement officers and citizens. 

“I’m aware tensions are escalating and that cooperative action needs to be taken by our legislators, law enforcement officers, and citizens,” Oakley said.

The situation mirrors concerns in Aurora, Colo., where similar fears have been raised following video footage showing gang members armed with long rifles overtaking apartment buildings. 

The controversy surrounding Illinois' sanctuary policies has also intensified with the case of Jean Torres-Roman, a known Tren de Aragua member. 

Torres-Roman was arrested in Chicago for illegal possession of a weapon but was released by a Cook County criminal court judge despite Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requests to detain him. 

A month later, Torres-Roman was linkled to a violent jewelry store heist in Denver, Colorado, and was eventually apprehended in New Mexico after fleeing from the scene.