Metro East Sun

U.S. Representative Mike Bost of Illinois expressed his support for local law enforcement in several Southern Illinois cities as they monitored protests over the weekend. The statement was made on the social media platform X.

"I've been in contact with the chiefs of police for O'Fallon, Belleville, Carbondale, Mt. Vernon, Effingham, and Charleston – Southern Illinois cities targeted by radical leftists for protests this weekend," said Bost. "I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with law enforcement in their efforts to keep our communities safe from the violence and upheaval witnessed in Los Angeles."

The "No Kings Day" protests in Southern Illinois attracted significant attention from law enforcement. Representative Bost warned of potential unrest and promised police support as local officials coordinated with federal agencies to ensure demonstrations remained peaceful, according to WSIU.

According to the Daily Egyptian, approximately 50 people marched peacefully in Carbondale on June 10, 2025, protesting immigration enforcement. While no major violence occurred, federal authorities began investigating isolated vandalism incidents linked to the protest.

NPR Illinois reports that most "No Kings Day" protests across Illinois and other states remained peaceful in June 2025, with only occasional property damage or arrests. This reflects similar law enforcement outcomes nationwide and in states like Washington and New York.

Bost is the Republican U.S. Representative for Illinois’ 12th District, serving since 2015. He is a former state legislator and Navy veteran known for advocating for law enforcement and public safety during regional protest events, as reported by WSIU.