North Cook News

8th Congressional District candidate Mark Rice has expressed his frustration with what he describes as a "wide open border" and the resulting influx of crime and drugs in Illinois.

With a focus on crime, immigration, and economic issues, Rice, who is challenging incumbent Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), framed his campaign around addressing what he calls a failed leadership.  

“I think it's probably the biggest issue that we face in the north of I-80 anyway,” Rice told North Cook News. “And Illinois is just terrible.” 

Rice said he has deep-seated concerns about the state's border security and its impact on local communities, blaming his opponent for the issue. 

“My opponent can't talk about it because it's all on their watch,” he said. “My opponent has a Democratic course and they are responsible for this from the very first day when they open the border wide open.” 

Drawing from personal experiences, Rice criticized the handling of the illegal alien crisis, which has allowed for an estimated 20 million illegals to enter the country under the Biden-Harris Administration, emphasizing the deadly consequences of open borders. 

“I’ve been to at least four funerals,” he said. “I know of others of these kids dying from fentanyl, which is coming across our wide open borders.” 

Rice’s criticism extends to the current administration’s policies, arguing that the removal of Title 42 and the halt of border wall construction have exacerbated the situation.

Rice's stance is clear: He advocates for a return to previous immigration policies and tougher border enforcement. 

“We need to reinstate Title 42, reinstate the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy, finish the wall, and prosecute those bringing fentanyl across,” he said.

Under the appropriate leadership, Rice said the border crisis could be fixed quickly. 

“We could put them out of business in a matter of a few days by just sending people down there,” he said. “And do we have the right to do that? Well, if they're killing 110,000 Americans a year, that would qualify them as the biggest terrorists on the planet.” 

A recent DEA report labeled the current crisis as the "Deadliest Drug Crisis Ever," revealing that 80% of street-level drugs in Chicago are linked to Mexican cartels such as Sinaloa and New Generation. 

Critics of the Biden-Harris Administration’s border policies, such as Rice, argue that these conditions have enabled cartels to thrive and worsen the drug crisis.

“Not one thing that they have done to help the situation,” he said. “Instead they double down and they pretend because they think that we are stupid, that we the people are stupid and won't believe them if they say enough lies enough times over and over that things are not bad.” 

Rice also highlighted his endorsement from Tom Homan, former head of ICE under the Trump administration, and touted his campaign slogan, "Bring Back ICE, Vote for Rice," as a testament to his commitment to reversing current policies.

On local crime issues, Rice criticized the Safe-T Act, which he claims has led to a surge in violent crime, particularly among illegal aliens. 

He argued that the law has led to a frustration among police officers. 

“The arrest rate for violent crimes is 5%,” Rice said. “So 95% of criminals, whether they're illegals or citizens, but only 5% get arrested. And then of the 5% that do get arrested, the police watch them walk out the door, free men and women, before they are even done with the paperwork.”

Rice’s comments come as Jean Torres-Roman, a known gang member, was arrested earlier this in Chicago for illegal weapon possession but was released by a local judge despite Immigration and Customs Enforcement's detention request.

Just a month later, Torres-Roman was involved in a violent jewelry heist in Denver, Colorado, and was later caught in New Mexico after fleeing the crime scene.

This case highlights concerns about sanctuary city policies, specifically Illinois’s TRUST Act of 2017, which designates the state as a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants and has been criticized for hindering law enforcement efforts against organized crime.

Rice also touched on economic issues, particularly inflation. He accused the Biden-Harris Administration of irresponsible spending, which he argues is driving up the cost of living. 

“Everything costs more and nobody's making double or 50% more,” Rice said. 

He attributed rising costs to what he describes as reckless government spending.

As the election draws near, Rice has been leading in recent polls. 

Polling data suggests a competitive contest in the traditionally swing district. 

“The last poll shows us up three, which is down from the previous poll, which was up five,” Rice noted. “It’s a very, very tight race in what is a purple district…which has been back and forth Republican, Democrat for 30 to 40 years.” 

The latest polling shows Rice leading over the four-term incumbent Krishnamoorthi 47.99% to 45.16%.

In his bid for Congress, Rice emphasizes his outsider status and commitment to reform. 

He contends that the current administration and local officials have failed to address critical issues and have, instead, perpetuated a cycle of corruption and incompetence. 

Rice’s campaign has positioned itself as an alternative to what he describes as ineffective leadership. 

“I'm not a politician, never run for any office,” he said. “What we need are people who are not corrupted by the system.”

Rice also noted biased coverage in mainstream reporting which he feels contributes to public misunderstanding of the problems facing Illinois.

“The majority of the media is really just an outlet for the Democrat machine,” Rice said.  

Rice is the CEO of Energy CX. He has lived in Chicago for 35 years, during which time he has also engaged in community development through serving on boards such as the Jewish Community Center of Chicago, Camp Apache, and Project Interchange, as well as founding Trevian Youth Football and Trevian Small Fry Basketball. 

The 8th Congressional District encompasses northern Cook County, northern DuPage County and northeast Kane County.