State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) was joined by State Representatives Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) and John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) at the Stephenson County Courthouse on Tuesday for a press conference where they demanded the full repeal of Illinois’ TRUST Act and SAFE-T Act, following an August 9 double fatality car crash that involved a repeat DUI offender who was also an illegal immigrant.
The crash, which occurred on Saturday, August 9, on Illinois Route 26 near Oneco Road, has reignited fierce criticism from Chesney over Illinois’ TRUST Act, which prohibits local law enforcement from coordinating with federal immigration officials, and the SAFE-T Act, which eliminates cash bail and often puts dangerous offenders back on the street.
“A woman who dedicated her life to her family and her community was killed in broad daylight by a man who never should have been in this country or on the road,” said Chesney. “His criminal record includes prior charges of DUI, aggravated (felony) DUI, and battery. Additionally, it was confirmed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that he was in this country illegally, having crossed the border a few years ago during the Biden administration. Yet, thanks to Illinois’ TRUST Act and the SAFE-T Act, he remained in this country and was free to get back behind the wheel of a car and kill an innocent woman. It’s unacceptable, and I am sickened by it.”
Preliminary reports from the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office indicate that Rolando Ico-Choc, age 30, from Guatemala, was driving southbound when he crossed into the northbound lane and struck Darcy Connolly-Brunner, 61, of Freeport, head-on. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. Toxicology results for Ico-Choc are still pending, but it is suspected that alcohol was involved. There is no indication that Ms. Connolly-Brunner was driving while impaired.
“Over the last few years, this man was shielded by systems that provide sanctuary to illegal immigrants and are more focused on allowing criminals to walk free than on protecting Illinois citizens,” Chesney continued. “The TRUST Act allowed this criminal to remain under the radar screen and escape deportation. Meanwhile, the SAFE-T Act continues to handcuff police, coddle criminals, and put every law-abiding family in Illinois at risk. How many more lives have to be lost before statehouse Democrats admit they’ve gone too far?”
Chesney continued, “I am not going to sit by silently while dangerous repeat offenders who are in this country illegally are given free rein to destroy lives,” he said. “I will not stop fighting until this state puts the rights of its citizens above the rights of criminals.”
Click here to watch Senator Chesney’s press conference comments.
