Metro East Sun

State Representative Kevin Schmidt, R-Cahokia Heights, is calling for the repeal of the TRUST Act in Illinois, which has designated the state as a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants. Under the TRUST Act, law enforcement agencies are prohibited from collaborating with federal immigration authorities to detain or deport these individuals. This policy has led to a growing humanitarian crisis at the southern border, with more than 200,000 migrants apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol in September alone.

Representative Schmidt firmly advocates for the repeal of the TRUST Act, stating, "Taxpayer dollars should be going to meet the needs of Illinois' citizens. We must end our status as a sanctuary state. We need to repeal the TRUST Act now!" He is urging constituents to join him in advocating for this repeal.

The situation in Illinois is dire, with approximately 628,000 undocumented immigrants costing taxpayers nearly $3 billion annually. Democratic leaders in the state have reached out to the White House for financial assistance and have called for a coordinated federal effort to address the massive influx of undocumented immigrants at the southern border.

Chicago, in particular, has reached a crisis point from a humanitarian, safety, and cost perspective. Since the arrival of the first group of migrants from Texas nearly 15 months ago, over 18,500 people have made their way to Chicago. More than 2,900 undocumented immigrants are currently living in police stations and airports, awaiting placement in shelters.

The influx of migrants has also exacerbated the violence in Chicago, a city already plagued by high levels of crime. While the exact number of migrants involved in violent incidents is unclear due to the TRUST Act prohibiting law enforcement from inquiring about immigration status, there have been reported incidents. In response to this crisis, two Chicago aldermen have introduced a resolution to place a referendum on the March ballot, asking voters if Chicago should remain a sanctuary city. A recent poll of Chicago voters showed that 46 percent of those polled said no more sanctuary city, 39 percent said Chicago should remain one, and 14 percent were unsure.

Illinois, as a sanctuary state, provides undocumented immigrants with access to free healthcare benefits, driver's licenses, housing assistance, and other benefits. The estimated cost of the healthcare benefits program for undocumented immigrants has reached $1.1 billion. To address the strain on resources and enrollment caps, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services recently announced a temporary pause on new enrollees in the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program. An analysis from September 2023 projects that the benefits program will cost $831 million in FY 2024, $281 million more than the appropriated amount.

In response to the humanitarian crisis in Chicago, Illinois House Republicans are introducing House Bill 4187, which aims to repeal the TRUST Act and end the state's sanctuary status for undocumented immigrants. This legislation would allow local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The goal is to shift the narrative away from Illinois being seen as a land of abundant government benefits for migrants.

To support the repeal of the TRUST Act, individuals can sign a petition on the Illinois House Republicans website.

The situation in Illinois as a sanctuary state for undocumented immigrants has led to a humanitarian crisis. The TRUST Act, which prohibits law enforcement agencies from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, has resulted in a significant influx of migrants at the southern border. State Representative Kevin Schmidt is calling for the repeal of the TRUST Act, emphasizing the need to prioritize taxpayer dollars for the needs of Illinois' citizens. The crisis in Chicago, in terms of humanitarian, safety, and cost aspects, has prompted Democratic leaders to seek financial assistance from the White House and a coordinated federal effort to manage the influx of undocumented immigrants. The high cost of providing benefits to undocumented immigrants, including healthcare and housing assistance, has strained resources in Illinois. House Republicans are introducing legislation to repeal the TRUST Act and address the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

To learn more, click on this link: https://repschmidt.com/2023/10/25/illinois-status-as-a-sanctuary-state-has-caused-a-humanitarian-crisis/