Guests: Betsy Smith/Yvette Serino
Recent Chicago Murder Highlights Immigration Enforcement Challenges
A brutal murder in Chicago has intensified the national debate around immigration enforcement and sanctuary city policies. According to Betsy Smith, National Spokesperson for the Police Association, two illegal immigrants allegedly murdered a man in his 60s after meeting him through a dating app in what she described as "a very nice neighborhood" where many police officers and firefighters live.
The suspects, aged 21 and 29 from Venezuela and Ecuador respectively, had entered the United States through Texas in summer 2023. Both had ICE detainers but were released from jail due to Chicago's sanctuary policies that prohibit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). One suspect had been arrested in Chicago as recently as January 12th for allegedly attempting to lure children.
"This is why a lot of Chicago is starting to turn red," Smith explained. "People are tired of this." She emphasized that sanctuary policies forcing ICE to track down released suspects puts both law enforcement and the public at greater risk.
## Growing Support for Immigration Enforcement
Recent polling indicates broad public support for stricter immigration enforcement. A Sienna College poll of New York state registered voters found 79% support deporting illegal immigrants convicted of crimes, with just 11% opposed.
This comes as ICE conducts targeted enforcement operations across major cities. In New York alone, 969 arrests were made and 869 detainers lodged between January 20-28th. ICE officials emphasize they are specifically targeting convicted criminals, including murderers, sex offenders, and gang members.
## Rise of Transnational Criminal Organizations
Law enforcement officials report an alarming proliferation of international criminal gangs entering the United States. There are now over 36,000 distinct street gangs operating in the country - not individual gang members, but separate organized criminal enterprises.
One particularly concerning group is Trende at Agua, a Venezuelan gang that has established operations in 16 states after members entered through the southern border. The gang, known for taking over Venezuela's largest prison and building amenities like nightclubs inside, has been linked to violent crimes across the U.S. including police shootings.
## International Cooperation and Border Security
Recent developments suggest increased bilateral cooperation on border security. Mexico's president has committed to deploying 10,000 troops to help combat fentanyl trafficking and illegal border crossings. This came after President Trump announced plans for steep tariffs on Mexican imports.
The administration is also addressing Chinese influence in the region, particularly around shipping lanes and ports. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently visited Panama to discuss reducing Chinese control over the Panama Canal, where reports indicate 70% of signage is now in Chinese.
## Community Perspectives on Immigration Reform
Hispanic community leaders like Yvette Serino emphasize the importance of legal immigration while supporting stronger enforcement. "If they love America, then they need to show America that they love them," Serino said, encouraging those who want to stay to begin the citizenship process.
She noted growing Hispanic support for immigration enforcement, explaining many Hispanic Americans are "realizing that the Democratic Party is just not their party anymore" on this issue. Serino emphasized the desire for "a united society" rather than division.
## Looking Ahead
The administration is moving forward with expanded enforcement operations, potentially including thousands of active duty troops to assist at the border. While some protests have occurred, supporters argue the measures are necessary to restore order and protect public safety.
"We cannot have these people in our country," Serino said, referencing recent violent crimes. She and others emphasize that while enforcement may cause temporary disruption, it represents necessary steps to address what they view as a crisis of lawlessness that has developed at the border and in sanctuary jurisdictions across the country.