Chicago City Wire

Terry Nguyen Le, a candidate for House District 13, emphasized the need for stronger sentencing, increased police resources, and preventive community programs to address rising crime and improve safety. "The statement was made in an interview."

"I believe the state legislature should play a central role in improving public safety by enacting policies that strengthen law enforcement, deter crime, and support community well-being," said Nguyen Le. "First, the legislature must ensure adequate funding for police training and resources, equipping officers to address rising violent crime while fostering trust through community engagement programs. Second, I'd advocate for tougher sentencing laws for violent offenders, particularly repeat offenders, to deter crime and protect residents in the 13th District, where safety concerns are growing. Third, the legislature should promote preventive measures, like investing in youth programs and job training to address root causes of crime, such as poverty and lack of opportunity."

Illinois’ 13th House District on Chicago’s North Side continues to face public safety concerns related to gun violence and retail theft. However, recent citywide trends indicate progress. According to the Chicago Police Department’s 2024 in Review report, both homicides and shootings have declined across the city. Neighborhood-level data from the Violence & Victimization dashboard reveals variations in crime within areas overlapping District 13, influencing local policing strategies.

Illinois recorded a violent crime rate of 289 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2024, nearly 20% below the U.S. average. USAFacts’ analysis of FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data shows that the state’s rate dropped by 6.3% from the previous year. Chicago Police data also reported declines in homicides and shootings, with North Side districts like District 13 experiencing lower fatal violence compared to citywide hot spots.

Illinois law mandates truth-in-sentencing for serious violent crimes, requiring those convicted of first-degree murder to serve their full terms and many other violent offenses to serve at least 85%. The Illinois Department of Corrections reports that the state’s three-year recidivism rate for offenders exiting in FY2019 was 36.7%, with those convicted of "person" crimes at 38.3%, highlighting ongoing challenges in balancing punishment with rehabilitation.

Nguyen Le is a Chicago-born son of Vietnamese war refugees and a U.S. Army veteran who represents a new generation of leadership grounded in service and grit. His experience includes caregiving, small business management, manufacturing, restaurant management, and casino operations, along with years of community volunteering. He is running for State Representative to lower taxes, cut wasteful spending, strengthen public safety, and expand school choice—particularly for working-class and low-income families. He advocates pension and transparency reforms to stabilize Illinois’ finances, spur job growth, and restore trust in government.

The Illinois House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the General Assembly, consisting of 118 members elected to two-year terms without term limits. According to the Illinois General Assembly's records, the chamber collaborates with the Senate and governor to pass laws, approve budgets, and set statewide policies including criminal justice matters while House District 13 represents neighborhoods on Chicago’s North Side through one elected member.