Chicago City Wire

John Booras, a candidate for Illinois' 3rd Congressional District, has sharply criticized both current immigration policies and the handling of gang activity in the region. His remarks come as he calls for a more rigorous approach to law enforcement and immigration enforcement.

Booras expressed his approval of the renewed focus on gang activity, a term he believes has been downplayed by progressive policies. 

"First I would like to state that I am pleased that we are actually using the term gangs again," Booras told Chicago City Wire. "It has been several years that the progressive left has sought to eliminate the use of this word as if somehow that would make the problem go away. The fact is, that gang activity has been with us for many decades, and has not subsided in many ethnic groups around our cities, states, and our nation."

Booras is a practicing attorney and former police officer who is the son of first generation legal immigrants. 

He highlighted his concern over the influx of gangs from Venezuela, although he emphasized that the problem is broader and not limited to recent arrivals. 

"The most recent influx of gangs from Venezuela is very troubling and concerning," Booras said. "However, no more of a threat than all the other existing gangs that we have failed to eradicate. The basis of our society is the rule of law. Anyone who violates the law must be held accountable strictly according to the rules we have agreed upon. There is no special category or exemption for immigrants or for gang members; it is the job of law enforcement to enforce the law."

Citing recent reports, Booras highlighted concerns over illegal immigration's impact on crime rates. 

"A report out today demonstrates that 75% of all arrests in midtown New York are illegal aliens," he said. "What more facts do we need? Does the situation not speak for itself? The proposals coming from Democrats and the left are to permit illegal aliens to vote. Isn’t the agenda obvious? Aren’t they just looking for votes to sustain their own power?"

The report Booras cited from the New York Post reveals that illegal immigrants now account for 75% of arrests in Midtown Manhattan, primarily for crimes such as assault, robbery and domestic violence. 

The surge in migrant-related arrests is attributed to lax bail guidelines, leading to quick releases and a growing backlog in New York City courtrooms. This issue is compounded by sanctuary city laws that restrict police cooperation with ICE, making it difficult to address migrant-related criminal activity effectively. 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has called for changes to sanctuary laws, citing frustration among law enforcement and concerns about the impact on local communities.

Booras’ comments come as tensions have escalated in Chicago and Aurora, Colo., following alarming reports and social media posts about gang activity linked to the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang.

Recent 911 calls in Chicago alleged that gang members had taken over an apartment building on South King Drive, prompting a response from local police.

The situation drew further attention when a TikTok user, claiming to be affiliated with Chicagoan street gangs, issued a violent threat in response to the reports. 

"This ain't Colorado. This is just like where you’re from. The only difference is… we got switches," the TikTok user declared, referring to a device that converts semi-automatic guns into automatic weapons.

NBC Chicago reported on the situation noting that Tren de Aragua gang's presence in Illinois has been confirmed.  

Meanwhile in Aurora, Colo. video footage surfaced showing gang members armed with long rifles and allegedly overrunning apartment buildings, amplifying concerns about gang-related violence. 

The controversy has intensified with the recent arrest of Jean Torres-Roman, a known Tren de Aragua member. 

Torres-Roman, previously arrested in Chicago for illegal weapon possession, was released by a local judge despite an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) request to detain him. He was later involved in a violent jewelry store heist in Denver and was eventually captured in New Mexico after fleeing from Colorado.

These incidents have reignited debates over sanctuary city policies, which some argue hinder effective law enforcement and contribute to increased gang violence. 

Critics maintain that such policies complicate efforts to manage criminal activities and safeguard community safety.

Addressing the issue of gang activity specifically in Illinois, Booras stressed that both old and new gangs should be targeted by specialized law enforcement teams. 

“There are multiple gangs operating in Illinois and the Chicago Metropolitan area. Some of them are decades old," Booras said. "Train de Agua is merely the newest player on the field. All gangs, including and perhaps, especially, illegal foreign national gangs, should be dealt with by specialized groups of highly trained law-enforcement officials, with an expedited process prearranged for holding them accountable and holding them incarcerated, if appropriate."

Booras also criticized what he perceives as a failure of some politicians to uphold the rule of law, particularly regarding immigration. 

"Obviously, any rogue politician, who violates their oath of office, the constitution of the United States, the constitution of the state of Illinois, and local laws, adds to the chaos," Booras said. "We are seeing increases in gang activity and particularly in sanctuary-type cities. I don’t understand how anyone believes that denying reality will improve things."

He argued that other countries have harsher penalties for immigration violations and questioned why the U.S. does not enforce its own laws more strictly. 

"I have in front of me a list of other countries' punishments for violating their immigration laws and they include deportation and or incarceration," Booras noted. "Why are we not following our own laws and why are we not penalizing elected officials who violate them?"

Booras will face incumbent U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL) in the Nov. 5 general election for Illinois's 3rd congressional district which includes parts of Cook and DuPage counties. 

The district includes parts of Chicago, Oak Lawn, Cicero, Berwyn, Brookfield, Elmwood Park, Alsip, Burr Ridge, Darien and Orland Hills in addition to other smaller communities.