On Wednesday, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara took to social media to reiterate his support of illegal immigrants and the city’s refusal to work with federal law enforcement on immigration issues. Upon learning of the mayor’s announcement, State Senators Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) and Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) and State Representative John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) issued the following statements:
State Senator Andrew Chesney
“Every elected official at every level of government has a responsibility to uphold the rule of law. Yet Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara has chosen to walk in lockstep with Chicago’s radical leadership, following the failed and dangerous playbook of Mayor Brandon Johnson.
“By refusing to cooperate with ICE, Mayor McNamara is importing Chicago’s lawlessness into Rockford. He is mimicking the reckless sanctuary city policies that have made Chicago a national symbol of violent crime, political dysfunction, and disregard for public safety. Instead of standing with the overwhelming majority of his constituents who want a safe community and law and order, McNamara has chosen to stand with illegal immigrants, many of whom break our laws and endanger our communities.”
State Senator Dave Syverson
“The number one priority of any local government is public safety. No community should be allowed to protect or harbor criminals who endanger the citizens of that community. Unfortunately, all too often, it is legal immigrants and members of Black and Brown communities who are most impacted by this criminal element.
“I don’t understand why any community would not welcome the assistance and support in removing the worst of the worst that are preying on our families. There have been way to many senseless deaths that could have been avoided if the priority was public safety and not politics.”
State Representative John Cabello
“As a former Rockford police officer, I know firsthand where policies that promote lawlessness are felt most. It’s in our neighborhoods, our homes, and our hospitals. When law enforcement is ordered to stand down, people’s lives are put at risk. Mayor Tom McNamara has a responsibility to protect his city, but instead has chosen to mirror the actions of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a man whose radical, anti-police agenda has helped turn one of America’s greatest cities into a national symbol of lawlessness and fear.
“When a mayor refuses to cooperate with ICE, he’s not just making a political statement, he’s actively obstructing justice. He’s telling victims of crime that their safety is secondary to politics, and he’s telling criminals that Rockford is a safe place to hide.”
