Senator Chesney Renews Call for Repeal of the TRUST Act and SAFE-T Act after Fatal Crash Involving Repeat DUI Offender/ Illegal Immigrant
Last week, I participated in a press conference at the Stephenson County Courthouse where I 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. It was also revealed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and confirmed by ICE that the perpetrator, Rolando Ico-Choc, was an illegal immigrant.
You can click here to watch my press conference comments.
As you probably know, Illinois’ TRUST Act prohibits local law enforcement from coordinating with federal immigration officials, and the SAFE-T Act eliminates cash bail and often puts dangerous offenders back on the street.
In relation to this crime, the perpetrator’s criminal record includes prior charges of DUI, aggravated (felony) DUI, battery, and other crimes. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, he illegally crossed the border into the United States and made his way to Illinois 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.
The issue is so horrific that it has garnered national attention. On Thursday morning, I was interviewed on Fox News’ Fox & Friends First to discuss the correlation between Governor Pritzker’s pro-illegal immigrant and anti-police policies and this tragedy, which was completely preventable. Click here to watch the Fox News segment.
It will come as no surprise, but Pritzker has been silent on the issue in the wake of this latest tragedy.
Traveling Office Hours Tour Begins This Week in Genoa
My highly trained constituent services staff is very skilled at helping residents cut through the red tape of government bureaucracy. They can usually help people resolve issues involving state agencies or departments. Because the 45th District is geographically quite large, my staff is bringing the services provided by the office to communities across Northwest Illinois.
My staff can provide assistance with unemployment issues, FOID and Concealed Carry delays, professional licensure issues, and more. If you are having an issue that involves a state agency or department, please mark your calendar and stop by the event closest to you:
- Thursday, August 21: Genoa City Hall, 333 East 1st Street, Genoa, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Thursday, August 28: South Beloit City Hall, 519 Blackhawk Blvd, South Beloit, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Thursday, August 28: Machesney Park Village Hall, 300 Roosevelt Road, Machesney Park, 12:00 Noon – 2:00 PM
- Thursday, September 4: Rockton Village Hall, 110 East Main Street, Rockton, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Thursday, September 4: Roscoe Village Hall, 10631 Main Street, Roscoe, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Please note that these events are specifically related to constituent services, so I will not be in attendance. However, my very capable staff will be available at each venue to provide help to constituents who stop by.
Secretary of State Warns of Text Message Scam
Illinois residents are being warned to watch out for a phishing scam disguised as a message from the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles.
The scam, which has been circulating for several months, employs alarming language, such as “Final Notice” or references to “State Code 15c-16.003,” in an attempt to steal personal and financial information. Some messages claim that recipients owe traffic fines and face vehicle suspension or credit damage if they do not respond.
Residents should be cautious and avoid clicking any links or providing information in response to these messages.
The Secretary of State’s office clarifies that it does not send text messages about driver’s license or vehicle registration status. Legitimate texts from the agency are limited to appointment reminders.
Suspicious messages should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
