Chambana Sun

Susan Mantell, chairwoman of the Champaign County Republicans, criticized Nikki Budzinski and Illinois Democrats for their vote against the Laken Riley Act, suggesting it prioritizes "woke" ideology over public safety. Mantell made this statement to The Chambana Sun on January 13.

"Nikki Budzinski and the rest of the Illinois Democrats who voted against the Laken Riley Act have turned their backs on the people they swore an oath to defend," said Mantell. "Their vote highlights a dangerous prioritization of progressive ideology over the safety of American citizens. By refusing to take action to address crime, they've failed in their most fundamental responsibility as representatives of the people. Budzinski's vote reveals a troubling reality: her radical agenda is more important than Champaign County residents' safety."

According to CNN, the Laken Riley Act passed with support from 48 Democrats, including two from Illinois, while twelve Illinois Democratic representatives voted against it. The legislation mandates the detention of undocumented migrants charged with theft or burglary. It is named after a Georgia student who was killed by an undocumented migrant in 2024.

Fox News reported that the House passed the Laken Riley Act as the first bill of the 119th Congress by a 264-159 vote with bipartisan support. The bill requires federal detention of undocumented individuals convicted of theft-related crimes and allows states to sue the federal government over harm caused by illegal immigration. Jose Ibarra, convicted of Riley’s murder, had prior arrests but was not detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise emphasized that the bill holds accountability for Biden administration border policies. The bill now proceeds to the Senate.

The Heritage Foundation noted that since President Biden took office, over 6.2 million illegal immigrants have been encountered at U.S. borders, with 2 million released into the U.S., and thousands having prior criminal convictions. A Department of Justice report from 2021 found that 64% of federal arrests in 2018 involved noncitizens, although they comprised just 7% of the population. Rising immigrant deaths and tragic incidents highlight safety issues exacerbated by lenient border policies and sanctuary cities that hinder criminal deportations.

Mantell is a resident of Sidney and was first elected as Chairwoman in 2024. She expressed appreciation for serving the Republican party and voters in Champaign County. Her focus includes boosting Republican voter turnout, growing party membership, and communicating party positions on key issues to voters.