Chesney Travels to Washington, D.C. for Pritzker Testimony on Sanctuary State Policies
I was part of a small group of conservative Illinois lawmakers who traveled to Washington, D.C. last week to watch Governor J.B. Pritzker try to defend Illinois’ sanctuary state policies, and the billions of dollars his policies have cost this state’s taxpayers. While Governor Pritzker claims he is simply following existing law, in reality he has pushed policies that dramatically limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, even in cases involving repeat offenders, violent criminals, and known gang members.
In 2021, Governor Pritzker signed legislation forcing counties to cancel long-standing ICE detention contracts, weakening the state’s ability to detain and deport dangerous individuals. He also empowered the Attorney General to investigate and penalize police departments that assist federal immigration officials, sending a chilling message to law enforcement across Illinois.
Beyond enforcement, the Governor created the taxpayer-funded Welcoming Illinois office to expand benefits for undocumented immigrants, including free healthcare. This cost billions at a time when working families are struggling with inflation, rising taxes, and public safety concerns.
The testimony wasn’t just about immigration policy. It was about a governor more focused on currying favor in Washington than protecting the people of Illinois. Residents deserve leadership rooted in accountability, not political ambition.
Madigan Sentenced: 7 ½ Years, $2.5 Million Fine for Public Corruption
Once the most powerful politician in Illinois, former House Speaker Michael Madigan was sentenced on Friday to 7½ years in federal prison and a $2.5 million fine for multiple acts of political corruption. Madigan ruled state politics like a mob boss, controlling government, rewarding allies, punishing opponents, and building one of the most formidable political machines in the country.
Prosecutors charged him with racketeering, bribery, wire fraud, and extortion for orchestrating a scheme in which he traded official favors for personal and political gain. The trial revealed a political operation run like an organized crime syndicate—one that blurred the lines between public service and personal power. Madigan was ultimately convicted on all major counts, ending a career that shaped state government for half a century.
But while Madigan faces justice, the system that enabled him remains intact. Not a single ethics reform targeting the General Assembly has passed since his indictment. While Senate Republicans have introduced measures calling for independent oversight and tighter revolving-door laws, Democratic leaders have blocked action. Without meaningful reform, Madigan’s conviction may serve as a warning—but not the fix Illinois still desperately needs.
Following the announcement of the sentence, I issued a press statement. Click here to read it.
Senator Chesney’s Pet Food Donation Drive a Huge Success
Thank you to everyone who donated to the pet food drive I recently co-hosted with the Northwest Illinois Alliance of Realtors to benefit the Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport!
We collected 342 pounds of dry food and 183 cans of additional food! We’re grateful for everything this incredible shelter does for our furry family members!
Senator Chesney, Representative Cabello Call on Rockford Mayor to Work with ICE
Last week, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara published a video in which he announced that no local agencies were involved with immigration enforcement activities in the City of Rockford. In the video, Mayor McNamara also doubled down on the city’s “welcoming city” stance. Click here to view the video.
State Representative John Cabello and I responded and said politicians should not be running interference for illegal immigrant criminals, and should instead be cooperating with ICE rather than apologizing to citizens for ICE activity in the community. Additionally, we believe the mayor should be backing our officers and federal agents, not pandering to far-left activists.
We urged McNamara to confirm what was happening, clarify the city’s policy, prioritize law and order, and put the families of Rockford first.
Two Shred Events Scheduled for June 21 in 45th District
I’ll be bringing a shred truck to the communities of Rockton and Roscoe this weekend on Saturday, June 21, for two FREE document shredding events. Please feel free to bring up to two, banker box sized containers of sensitive documents for shredding at the event closest to you.
- June 21, Free Document Shredding: Getty Gardens (former Goldie Floberg Building). 58 West Rockton Road, Rockton, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- June 21, Free Document Shredding: Roscoe Middle School, 6121 Elevator Road, Roscoe, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
I also have another IPASS on Demand event coming up on June 24 in Genoa:
- June 24, IPASS on Demand: Genoa City Hall, 333 East 1st Street, Genoa, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (those who attend should bring their plastic IPASS transponder(s) and jot down license plate numbers to ensure quick service)
Additional events will be added, so please visit the Events page on my website to remain up-to-date on events near you.
