West Cook News

Eric Su, a candidate for Illinois House District 21, expressed concerns over sanctuary city policies, stating they impose burdens on taxpayers, law enforcement, and public services rather than benefiting communities. Su's remarks were made during an interview.

"I do not support sanctuary cities for illegal aliens," said Su. "These policies shift costs onto hardworking taxpayers—local law enforcement has to spend more on jails and court cases, and social services like schools and healthcare are stretched further. Sanctuary cities may sound compassionate, but they ultimately burden the communities that are already paying the bills."

In 2024, Illinois' sanctuary city policies became a focal point of political debate as Chicago grappled with increasing migrant arrivals and the financial strain of providing shelter to thousands. Supporters of these policies argue that they foster trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. In contrast, opponents point to the escalating costs and pressures on city services. According to WBEZ, both Illinois and Chicago have policies limiting cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement, which has influenced fiscal and social tensions.

Chicago reported that its New Arrivals Mission incurred nearly $295 million in costs from August 2022 through the end of 2023. Of this amount, 24% was funded by the city's Corporate Fund and 27% by state grants. The expenses covered shelter, food, health care, and other services, with projections indicating rising costs into 2024. The City of Chicago’s April 2024 update provided these figures as part of a detailed account of local expenditures related to sanctuary commitments.

Illinois' stance contrasts with states like Texas that have adopted more enforcement-focused strategies. According to the Texas Tribune, Texas spent over $148 million by February 2024 to transport more than 102,000 migrants to other states under Governor Greg Abbott’s initiative while defending its SB4 immigration law in court. This comparison underscores the fiscal implications of varying state-level immigration approaches.

Su is described as a husband, father, small-business owner, and lifelong resident of Illinois who has dedicated over two decades to helping individuals improve their health through his fitness business. A Purdue University graduate and youth football coach, he has mentored children and supported families through community programs aimed at fostering neighborhood unity. Su is campaigning for State Representative with priorities including reducing property taxes, enhancing school outcomes, supporting law enforcement, and ensuring government spending transparency.

Illinois House District 21 encompasses parts of Chicago’s Southwest Side along with suburbs such as Bedford Park, Berwyn, Bridgeview, Brookfield, Cicero, La Grange, North Riverside, Riverside, and Summit. The district is currently represented by Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid in the Illinois General Assembly after his election in 2022. As noted on Rashid's official site, the district includes diverse communities featuring both residential and industrial areas.