North Cook News

11th Congressional District candidate Jerry Evans is criticizing the federal government’s handling of crime and immigration issues, spotlighting what he describes as a severe oversight impacting communities across Illinois. 

Evans’ remarks come amid escalating crime rates and ongoing debates about border security.

“I am incredibly concerned over the lack of attention on this issue by the Federal government, including my opponent,” Evans told North Cook News. “These criminals have ransacked the poor people of Venezuela and have now illegally moved across our border to terrorize and victimize us here.” 

Evans’ comments come as reports have highlighted a surge in gang-related activities, including human trafficking and drug dealing connected to foreign cartels. 

He highlighted what he views as a troubling trend in Chicago and its suburbs, where he said crime is increasingly spilling over due to a “wide open border.” 

“This is just the latest shocking development of the outrageous spike in crime plaguing Chicago,” Evans said. “We are now seeing that crime spill into the suburbs due to in part a wide open border. Many residents have simply left Illinois with a record of almost 33,000 people having left in 2023. The incredible men and women in uniform are simply overwhelmed while our politicians look the other way and ignore the issue.”

Evans' criticism extends to the current administration in the state, and his political opponent, accusing them of effectively failing to address the root causes of crime and immigration issues. 

“Close the border, ensure that prosecutors are not committing prosecutorial misconduct by failing to provide justice to the communities they serve while working to pass mandatory minimums laws for violent offenders,” he said. 

This statement underscores his platform's focus on stricter border controls, enhanced legal accountability, and tougher sentencing for violent crimes.

In a bid to emphasize the severity of the situation, Evans said so-called “sanctuary” city and state policies provide safe havens for dangerous criminals, undermining public safety and complicating efforts to address organized crime.

“This is not an allegation, it is an undeniable fact,” he said. “If the numbers are not convincing enough, next time you see a law enforcement officer, have a conversation with them. I have spent time with our local police, and commit to fix this issue in Congress.” 

The TRUST Act of 2017 established Illinois as a sanctuary state. 

The TRUST Act, designed to protect undocumented immigrants from federal enforcement actions, has sparked significant controversy as Illinois grapples with rising crime rates linked to these policies.

The surge in criminal activities has been linked to the state's sanctuary policies, which in recent years has attracted nearly 700,000 undocumented residents, costing taxpayers billions annually.

The controversy has intensified with alarming claims from Chicago, where 911 calls alleged that members of the Tren de Aragua gang, a notorious criminal organization from Venezuela, had taken over an apartment building on South King Drive. 

This report has heightened public fears, particularly in light of a threatening response from a TikTok user. 

The individual, who claimed to have knowledge of and involvement with native Chicagoan street gangs, issued a threat. 

“This ain’t Colorado. This is just like where you’re from. The only difference is… we got switches,” the TikTok user said. 

A “switch” is a device that converts a semi-automatic firearm into an automatic weapon.

In Aurora, Colorado, similar fears have been stoked by video footage showing gang members armed with long rifles, appearing to overtake apartment buildings, further fueling concerns about gang violence.

NBC Chicago noted the presence of the Tren de Aragua gang in Illinois. 

The scrutiny of Illinois' sanctuary policies was further intensified by the recent 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 local judge despite Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requests to detain him. Just a month later, he was involved in a violent jewelry store heist in Denver, Colorado. 

Torres-Roman was eventually apprehended in New Mexico after fleeing from Denver.

11th Congressional District includes all or parts of Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Boone and Will counties.It is currently held by incumbent U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL).