North Cook News

Michele Hunter, a candidate for the Illinois House of Representatives in the 54th District, has sharply criticized the state’s handling of illegal immigration and drug trafficking in light of recent significant drug seizures. 

Speaking out after a major fentanyl bust by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, Hunter attributed the influx of dangerous drugs in Illinois to the state's "sanctuary state" policies and lenient approach to drug enforcement.

“The state of Illinois has unfortunately become a prime target for the transport and distribution of fentanyl, largely because of its sanctuary status for illegal immigration,” Hunter told North Cook News. “The smuggling of these drugs from Mexico often follows the route taken by illegal immigrants, who are used as decoys at the border and during their journey to their final destinations.”

Hunter's remarks come in the wake of a notable arrest involving Gloria Gastelum, 54, and German Vargas, 22, who were apprehended by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office in Marengo.

The duo was found with an astounding 120,000 fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone, marking one of the region's largest drug seizures of the year. 

This bust followed a tip from an undercover detective. 

“This seizure underscores the issue I’ve been speaking about,” Hunter said. “Illinois is attractive to these criminals because the state provides food, shelter, and education for their children. Moreover, Illinois’s lenient stance on crime has created a haven for drug smugglers.” 

“Just two years ago, the Illinois legislature increased the amount of fentanyl a dealer could possess before facing severe prosecution. This is a mistake. Illinois should adopt a zero-tolerance policy for possession of these drugs, and I am committed to supporting legislation that imposes mandatory, harsh sentences for offenders.”

Hunter also pointed out that local State Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake), who supported the higher threshold for fentanyl possession, was re-elected despite her controversial stance. 

“It’s crucial for voters to understand what their legislators are doing and to hold them accountable,” Hunter emphasized. “Illinois's lax laws and soft approach to criminals have created a perfect storm for drug dealers, while our communities suffer from rising overdose deaths and criminal activity.”

The recent fentanyl seizure is part of a troubling pattern. 

Only weeks prior, two Mexican nationals were arrested in McHenry County for allegedly smuggling 17 kilos of methamphetamine and fentanyl. 

Republican lawmakers have sought to repeal the Illinois TRUST Act, which established the state as a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants by prohibiting local law enforcement from aiding federal immigration efforts. 

Hunter’s concerns echo findings from a recent 2024 Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) report, which labeled the current drug crisis as the "Deadliest Drug Crisis Ever" in America. 

The report revealed that approximately 80% of street-level drugs in Chicago are linked to the Sinaloa cartel, with fentanyl being a particularly severe threat. The rise of digital drug dealing through social media platforms has further complicated efforts to combat the crisis.

Hunter’s comments reflect a growing frustration with the state’s handling of drug-related issues and its impact on local communities. As the campaign for the 54th District heats up, Hunter's stance on combating drug trafficking and reforming drug policies is likely to be a focal point of her platform.

Critics argue that the Biden Administration's "Open Border" policies have created an environment in which drug cartels can flourish. 

As Vice President Kamala Harris campaigns for the presidency, former President Donald Trump and other Republicans have directed blame at her, accusing her of mismanaging border policies. 

This criticism underscores Harrris’s tenure as the Biden administration's "border czar," a role she has attempted to distance herself from amid the arrival of an estimated 10.5 to 13 million undocumented immigrants during her watch.

The 54th District encompasses areas in Cook and Lake counties, including Arlington Heights, Palatine, and Prospect Heights, as well as sections of Buffalo Grove, Mount Prospect and Wheeling.

The representative seat is currently held by State Rep. Mary Beth Canty (D-Arlington Heights) who Hunter is facing in the Nov. 5 general election.