Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Denounces Extreme MAGA Republican Agenda contained in the Laken Riley Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Denounces Extreme MAGA Republican Agenda contained in the Laken Riley Act

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-1) today released a statement explaining his vote against the controversial Laken Riley Act (H.R. 12), calling it part of a broader effort by Extreme MAGA Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, to terrorize immigrant communities, undermine due process, and impose mass deportation policies that harm American families and local economies.

“I voted against the Laken Riley Act because it is a dangerous, punitive measure that targets immigrant communities, sows fear in neighborhoods across the country and threatens the economic well-being of the 1st Congressional District of Illinois,” said Congressman Jackson. “This bill is part of a coordinated effort by Speaker Mike Johnson and the Extreme MAGA faction to demonize immigrants and weaponize the government to carry out mass deportations. This bill punishes the lawful along with the unlawful equally.”

The Laken Riley Act mandates the detention of undocumented individuals charged with certain property crimes while granting states unprecedented authority to sue the federal government over immigration enforcement decisions. Congressman Jackson highlighted the devastating consequences such policies would have on Chicago’s immigrant communities and the local economy.

“Our district is home to over 135,000 immigrants, many of whom are longtime residents, small business owners, and essential workers,” said Jackson. “This includes approximately 27,000 DACA recipients and individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) who contribute more than $600 million annually to the local economy. These are families who live, work, and pay taxes in our communities. They are not a threat—they are our neighbors.”

Data shows that DACA recipients across Illinois contribute more than $750 million annually to the state GDP. Immigrants are vital to sectors like healthcare, education, and hospitality, where labor shortages already threaten recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Removing these individuals would cripple local industries and increase economic instability.

Congressman Jackson criticized the bill as part of an extremist agenda pushed by MAGA Republicans to create a hostile environment for immigrants.

“Let’s be clear: this is about more than a single piece of legislation. This is about an agenda led by Speaker Mike Johnson and his MAGA allies to terrorize immigrant families and force mass deportations through policies that erode due process and human rights,” said Jackson. “These are the same politicians who refuse to pass comprehensive immigration reform yet use immigrants as scapegoats to stoke fear and division.”

The Congressman emphasized that the Laken Riley Act would empower state governments to overstep federal authority and challenge immigration enforcement policies in court, further exacerbating the chaotic and inhumane deportation practices seen under previous MAGA-led initiatives.

“This is the same playbook we saw under the Trump administration: fearmongering, criminalization, and mass deportation,” said Jackson. “They want to strip immigrant families of their dignity, break apart communities, and push their xenophobic agenda under the guise of public safety.”

Congressman Jackson warned that the Laken Riley Act would have a chilling effect on Chicago’s immigrant communities, causing fear and mistrust of local law enforcement while damaging the economy.

“Immigrant workers in the 1st District contribute millions in local taxes and help keep our communities thriving,” Jackson noted. “Businesses owned by immigrants create jobs, generate revenue, and stabilize neighborhoods. Policies that promote detention and deportation don’t just harm immigrant families—they hurt everyone in our district.”

A recent report from the American Immigration Council found that DACA recipients and TPS holders across the U.S. contribute more than $2.5 billion in state and local taxes annually, with hundreds of millions flowing directly into Illinois’s economy. Removing these individuals would lead to economic stagnation, job losses, and reduced tax revenues for local governments.

Congressman Jackson called for comprehensive immigration reform that prioritizes fairness, humanity, and economic stability over fear and punishment.

“I remain committed to fighting for policies that recognize the dignity and contributions of immigrants, rather than using them as political pawns,” Jackson said. “The Laken Riley Act is a step backward. It’s time we move forward with humane immigration solutions that strengthen, not divide, our communities.”

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