Chicago City Wire

The Illinois Freedom Caucus has expressed support for the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in re-arresting an illegal immigrant accused of homicide in Chicago. The individual, previously charged with homicide in Illinois, had been released by a state judge.

"Governor Pritzker's pro-criminal policies put Illinoisans at risk, but ICE is doing the tough work of enforcing the law and protecting innocent lives," said Chris Miller, Chairman, according to Facebook. "We thank ICE, and all our brave law enforcement for their dedication and urge JB Pritzker to stop protecting these criminals and prioritize Illinois citizens."

In a Facebook post, the Illinois Freedom Caucus commended ICE for its intervention and criticized Governor JB Pritzker's administration. The caucus said that Pritzker has "failed to protect the people of Illinois" and condemned what they described as his "pro-criminal policies." They credited federal authorities for addressing what they see as shortcomings in state leadership and urged the governor to prioritize public safety over shielding criminal offenders.

Illinois Freedom Caucus' post on Facebook | Facebook

According to Fox News, ICE agents re-arrested Jose Luis Mendoza-Gonzalez, a 52-year-old Mexican national accused of decapitating Megan Bos, after he was initially released by Lake County Judge Randie Bruno. Mendoza-Gonzalez remains in federal custody following his apprehension at a market in Chicago. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that Bos had been missing since March, with her body discovered in April on Mendoza-Gonzalez’s property.

Local officials have questioned the decision to release Mendoza-Gonzalez under Illinois’ SAFE-T Act, which limits pretrial detention. Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner and Republican State Representative Tom Weber expressed concerns about the release given the severity of the charges and Mendoza-Gonzalez's immigration status. According to DHS, Mendoza-Gonzalez claimed Bos died from a drug overdose at his home and admitted to concealing her body for nearly two months without notifying authorities.

The Illinois Freedom Caucus is part of the national State Freedom Caucus Network and advocates for limited government, lower taxes, and personal freedom. Members include State Representatives Chris Miller, Blaine Wilhour, Adam Niemerg, Brad Halbrook, Jed Davis, David Friess, Dan Caulkins, and State Senator Andrew Chesney.