Chicago City Wire

Illinois Senate 11th District candidate Thomas McGill is calling on the state’s politicians to overturn the controversial Safe-T Act.

“Truth about Safe-T Act no one is talking about," McGill tweeted. "I worked the house arrest program in Cook County. Offenders who violated and escaped, we took back into custody whether it's 2, 4, 10 or 24 hours later. Now, there's a 48 hour wait if the offender remains in violation.”

Democrat Celina Villanueva is the current senator in the 11th District. She was appointed to the position in 2020.

She took the seat after former state senator Martin Sandoval died amid a corruption probe.

On his website, McGill notes Villanueva’s support for the Safe-T Act and other reforms that will help criminals get out of jail.

“Celina was instrumental in passing legislation which financially rewards criminals with SB 1609 and HB 3332,” the website reads.

“In addition to Celina’s defund the police movement, which we have seen nationwide isn't working and it just puts innocent law-abiding citizens in harms way. With the passing of HB 3653, which Celina was involved with, that bill with all it’s pro-criminal legislation will jeopardize our public safety even more when parts of the bill take effect 01/01/2023! No cash bail will be in effect at this time and it's clearly not working in states who have implemented these reforms. In NY, an offender was issued 19 summons in a 30-day period and never once did the offender attend his court dates.”

“It’s time that our elected officials choose the people over criminals! We humbly ask for your support and vote for Thomas “Mac” McGill, Illinois Senate District 11 on November 8th, 2022 to ensure that the working families of the 11th District and throughout Illinois have a voice in Springfield!”

The Safe-T Act will result in the release of those charged with the worst crimes including robbery, kidnapping, arson, second-degree murder, intimidation, aggravated battery, aggravated DUI, aggravated flight, drug-related homicide and threatening a public official.

The act goes into force on January 1, 2023.

Some state’s attorneys have been warning their community that hundreds of criminals accused of serious felonies, sometimes of an extremely violent nature.

Jim Glasgow, the state's attorney for Will County, has argued in favor of repealing the SAFE-T Act.

"It will destroy the state of Illinois," Glasgow said. "I have 640 people in the Will County jail. All their bonds will be extinguished on Jan. 1, and 60 are charged with murder.”