WATCH: Sides lay out positions on immigration reform amid increased enforcement

(The Center Square) – Amidst continued immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration in Chicago, the debate about immigration reform continues.

Last month at the Illinois State Fair, Illinois U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Schaumburg, said the legal immigration system needs to be reformed.

“So for undocumented folks, giving them a path to legalization, ultimately citizenship for [Temporary Protected Status] and dreamers doing the same for high skilled talent,” Krishnamoorthi told reporters Aug. 13.

During a State Freedom Caucus Network Summit in Dallas, Texas, last week, Texas U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Flower Mound, said policy makers actually should be tightening up legal immigration, not making it more lax.

“It does come with reducing legal immigration substantially, and reforming and actually choosing who we think is going to benefit to come into the United States,” Gill said on Sept. 6.

Monday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced Operation Midway Blitz, an enhanced immigration enforcement effort focused on Chicago.

George W. Bush Ambassador to the Holy See Francis Rooney said he hopes the Trump administration listens to Pope Leo, an Illinois native, and other Catholic and religious leaders about immigration.

“I don’t think the American people are going to continue to support what’s happening when they see the impact of higher prices, because the loss of all of our Hispanic workers,” Rooney told The Center Square. “That’s one thing for sure, that they would be wise to listen to Pope Leo.”

At an unrelated event in Bensenville this week, U.S. Marshals Service Director Gadyaces Serralta said their measure of success in Chicago with Operation Midway Blitz is saving lives.

“So, every life saved is a success,” he said. “We’ve been saving a lot of lives here in our surges.”

The Department of Homeland Security announced the operation Monday in honor of Katie Abraham, who was killed last January in a crash involving a noncitizen migrant.

Events

No events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Illinois quick hits: CUB challenges Ameren rate hike plan

Illinois quick hits: CUB challenges Ameren rate hike plan

By The Center SquareThe Center Square Disaster proclaimed in three counties A disaster proclamation has been issued for Cook, Jersey and Calhoun counties after severe weather last month. Gov. J.B....
Experts call for probe after Microsoft left out China ties in Pentagon security plan

Experts call for probe after Microsoft left out China ties in Pentagon security plan

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square Microsoft is facing renewed calls for a congressional investigation after ProPublica revealed the company omitted key details about its use of China-based engineers in a...
FBI raids the home of John Bolton

FBI raids the home of John Bolton

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The Maryland home of former UN Ambassador John Bolton has been raided by the FBI, according to multiple reports. FBI Director Kash Patel posted a...
WCO Board Aug 21.4

After Initial Rejection and Tense Debate, Board Reconsiders and Approves Contested DuPage Township Business

Article Summary: In a rare reversal, the Will County Board approved a special use permit for a landscaping business in a residential area of DuPage Township after the measure initially...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for August 21, 2025

The Will County Board received County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant’s proposed $791 million budget for fiscal year 2026, which holds the line on the property tax levy while funding key services....
Will County Recorder Graphic.1

Will County Board Approves New Fee Schedule for Recorder of Deeds

Article Summary: The Will County Board has approved a revised fee schedule for the Recorder of Deeds office, which will take effect on October 1, 2025. The changes, based on...
WCO Board Aug 21.3

Will County Board Formally Opposes Heavier, Longer Trucks on National Roadways

Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously passed a resolution opposing any federal legislation that would increase the size and weight limits for commercial trucks on the nation's roadways. The...
will county board meeting graphic.5

Will County Board Approves Permits for Landscaping Business and Restaurant Liquor Service in Frankfort Area

Article SummaryThe Will County Board unanimously approved three separate special use permits for businesses in the Frankfort area, allowing a landscaping operation in Green Garden Township to continue and two...
will county board meeting graphic.5

Board Approves Engineering Contracts for Mokena Road Widening

Article SummaryThe Will County Board approved over $1.1 million in supplemental engineering contracts to advance the ongoing 80th Avenue improvement project in Mokena. The additional funding addresses project delays and...
will county board meeting.6

Will County Awards $1.46 Million Contract for Kankakee Street Bridge Replacement in Manhattan Township

Article SummaryThe Will County Board has awarded a $1.46 million contract to "D" Construction, Inc. of Coal City to replace the Kankakee Street Bridge over Jackson Creek in Manhattan Township....
will county board meeting.6

Crete Township Community Center to Get New Digital Sign

Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a special use permit and two variances for Crete Township, allowing for the installation of a new on-premise dynamic display sign at its...
WCO Board Aug 21.1

Will County Executive Proposes $791 Million Budget Focused on Stability Amidst Economic Uncertainty

Article Summary: Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant presented a balanced $791 million budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026 that aims to maintain services and prepare for potential economic challenges without...
WATCH: Detransitioner gets a second chance at medical malpractice lawsuit

WATCH: Detransitioner gets a second chance at medical malpractice lawsuit

By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square A young woman whose detransition story has been one of the most widely covered in the nation will soon learn if a judge in North...
WATCH: CA Democrats pass congressional redistricting plan

WATCH: CA Democrats pass congressional redistricting plan

By Dave MasonThe Center Square After a day of vigorous debates punctuated by occasional applause, both houses of the California Legislature Thursday passed the three bills making up the congressional...
Pew: U.S. immigrant population declines for first time in nearly 60 years

Pew: U.S. immigrant population declines for first time in nearly 60 years

By Caroline BodaThe Center Square The U.S.’s foreign-born population shrunk this year for the first time since the 1960s, new data released Thursday from the nonpartisan Pew Research Center found....