Chambana Sun

Adam Niemerg, a State Representative from Illinois, expressed concerns over the release of an undocumented immigrant accused of murder, stating it reflects failed public safety policies. He made this statement on X.

"This is a direct result of ⁦Gov. Pritzker prioritizing illegal immigrants and criminals over Illinois citizens," said Adam M. Niemerg. "This ILLEGAL was released within 48 hours after committing these horrific crimes. This must end."

According to the New York Post, Jose Luis Mendoza-Gonzalez, an undocumented Mexican immigrant, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in July 2025 after being released earlier by an Illinois judge despite facing serious charges. Mendoza-Gonzalez had been accused of murdering Megan Bos, whose body was discovered in a bleach-filled bin at his Waukegan home. His release was permitted under the SAFE-T Act, which abolished cash bail in Illinois and allows judges to evaluate flight risk and threat to public safety. The case has reignited national debate over bail reform and immigration enforcement.

As noted by the Times of India, Illinois does not publish statewide crime data specifically segmented by immigration status. However, national research by the Cato Institute has consistently found that undocumented immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens. While high-profile cases like Mendoza-Gonzalez’s generate media attention, actual rates of crime among undocumented individuals in Illinois remain low and statistically insignificant in state-level reporting.

According to a summary of national policies on Wikipedia regarding the Laken Riley Act, Illinois allows judicial discretion on pretrial release under its 2023 SAFE-T Act, including for undocumented individuals. In contrast, states such as Texas and Florida mandate pretrial detention for undocumented immigrants accused of violent felonies. These differences reflect a fragmented national landscape in how immigration status and public safety concerns intersect in pretrial detention policies.

According to Ballotpedia, Representative Niemerg has served in the Illinois House since 2021, currently representing the 102nd District. He is a Republican and former claims adjuster from Teutopolis with a degree from Eastern Illinois University. Niemerg is known for his strong opposition to the SAFE-T Act, his advocacy for tougher immigration enforcement, and his membership on committees related to public safety and restorative justice.