Illinois Valley Times

Illinois state Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) has joined the growing number of local lawmakers now demanding answers from Gov. J.B. Pritzker in the wake of his administration adopting a policy that paves the way for violent felons facing deportation to be released in unsuspecting communities.

"The Illinois Sheriff’s Association brought the new practice to our attention,” Rezin told the Illinois Valley Times. “In previous administrations, (when) convicted felons here illegally (were) set to be released, ICE authorities were contacted after they had served their time. This administration has decided not to do that, so once felons are released they are allowed to go back into these communities.”

During a recent press conference, Livingston County Sheriff Mike Downey equated the practice that officially changed in January to giving the ex-inmates a "head start to evade federal law."

“We’re all in agreement that once a felon is released, who is in this country illegally, they should be released into the custody of ICE,” Rezin added. “The governor’s office is now saying that they will look at the policy. This is just too reflective of an administration that has long been supporting protecting sanctuary cities. We are a country of laws and when you’re here illegally and you break the law, you’re supposed to be deported.”

According to the Dispatch-Argus, a spokesperson from the governor’s office described the policy switch as a “pause in corrections' interactions" with ICE while the administration conducts a procedural review.

The website adds in 2019 of the 223 immigrants transferred from Pontiac to ICE detention 11 were convicted of murder or attempted murder; over four dozen of predatory criminal sexual assault or abuse, some of which involved children; and 33 were convicted of a crime involving a weapon.