Chambana Sun

Adam Niemerg, a state representative from Illinois, has criticized Governor JB Pritzker's approach to crime and immigration, asserting that it has endangered residents. Niemerg argued that Illinois requires a governor who prioritizes public safety. His statement was made on the social media platform X.

"Gov. Pritzker has put Illinois citizens in harms way with his pro crime policies," said Adam M. Niemerg. "Rather than safety and security he has embraced the SAFE-T act and open borders. The people of Chicago and Illinois deserve better. The answer is simple- we must elect a governor who puts the people first."

According to WTTW and Governor Pritzker’s written congressional testimony, debates over Illinois' crime policy have centered around the SAFE-T Act and immigration issues. Pritzker defended the elimination of cash bail after the Illinois Supreme Court upheld it in July 2023, while also stating that violent undocumented offenders should be deported. Meanwhile, Chicago leaders have highlighted significant declines in crime rates in 2025 amid ongoing federal disputes over enforcement.

The University of Chicago Crime Lab reported a decrease in violent crime statewide, with fewer homicides and shootings in 2024. The City of Chicago announced a 21.6% drop in violent crime in 2025 to date, including a 32.3% reduction in murders. Nationally, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) estimated a 4.5% decline in violent crime for 2024, indicating that Illinois' trend aligns with broader national patterns.

Illinois has experienced significant impacts from immigration. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that the Midwest gained 406,737 residents through international migration in 2024, with Illinois being the only state in the region where more than 10% of its population is foreign-born. Since August 2022, Chicago alone has received over 51,000 new arrivals according to city data.

Niemerg is a Republican state representative for Illinois’ 109th District, first elected in 2020 and sworn into office in January 2021. A native of Teutopolis and an Eastern Illinois University graduate, Niemerg has emphasized his background as a small-business owner and his legislative work focusing on taxes, life issues, and ethics reforms.