Chicago City Wire

Jon Luers, a candidate for the 10th District Illinois Senate, is pointing to a deepening consensus regarding the escalating border crisis on the southern border, warning that the nation is “playing with fire.” Luers pointed to a letter dated January 17, addressed to key congressional leaders, from retired FBI executives who raised alarms about the “invasion” of military-aged male foreigners posing a significant threat to American security due to President Joe Biden’s border policies.

“A growing serious consensus that we’re playing with fire on the southern border,” Luers said on Facebook.

The aforementioned letter was signed by former FBI executives who had overseen intelligence, counterterrorism, criminal and training operations. Their collective experience spans over 250 years. They joined current FBI Director Christopher Wray and Texas Governor Greg Abbott in expressing their worries about the situation at the border. According to JusttheNews.com, House Republicans are now advocating for comprehensive measures to secure the border and prevent mass releases of illegal immigrants.

Recent reports have indicated that more than 34,000 illegal immigrants have arrived in Illinois since mid-2022. This alarming figure has amplified calls for stronger border control measures. However, last fall saw Illinois allocating $42.5 million in grant monies for municipalities to house these immigrants, as reported by Capitol News Illinois. Lake County, Elgin, Oak Park, Urbana and Chicago received grant funds from the state to assist with housing and other needs.

Luers is a veteran software engineer with four decades of experience who is now shifting his focus towards politics as a candidate for the 10th District Illinois Senate. Born in Chicago and educated at Northwestern University, Luers has expressed disappointment in both Illinois' trajectory under Democratic leadership and that of the country as a whole. He criticizes his opponent State Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) on his website, accusing him of being a clone of Mike Madigan and benefiting from a property tax appeals business while taxes increase.

The 10th District includes Chicago’s northwest side and North Cook County communities such as Norridge, Schiller Park, Rosemont, Park Ridge and Niles. It is currently represented by State Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago). A map of the district can be found on Martwick’s website.