Peters Calls on Congressional Candidates to Clarify Stances on ICE Funding, Noem Impeachment After Minneapolis Killing (Chicago, IL) – State Sen. Robert Peters, a candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District, is calling on his fellow candidates to publicly state their positions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement funding and the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis.
In a statement released Sunday, Peters referenced the killing of Pretti, as well as other deaths he attributed to federal agents, saying the incidents underscore what he described as a broader crisis involving accountability and the use of state power.
“Federal agents killed Alex Pretti. They killed Renee Nicole Good. Here at home, they killed Silverio Villegas González,” Peters said in the statement.
Peters said he is the only candidate in the race for the open 2nd District seat to call for the abolition of ICE and to publicly support U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly’s move to impeach Noem. He criticized other candidates for not stating how they would vote on funding for ICE if elected to Congress.
“No other candidate has addressed whether and how they would vote on funding for this secret police force with no accountability, oversight or transparency,” Peters said.
He argued that voters deserve clarity from candidates seeking federal office, particularly on issues involving federal law enforcement and immigration policy.
“If you can’t even say what you’d do if you are so lucky to be elected, how can voters trust you to fight with purpose when you get to Washington?” Peters said.
Peters also framed his remarks in the context of historical and ongoing concerns within Black communities about state violence against civilians.
“In the Black community, we are all too familiar with the dangers of state violence directed at civilians without recourse,” he said.
The senator concluded his statement by urging decisive action, calling for the abolition of ICE and the impeachment of Noem, and arguing that candidates unwilling to commit to those positions should reconsider their campaigns.
The 2nd Congressional District seat is open following the announcement that the current officeholder will not seek reelection, setting up a competitive primary in the months ahead.
Peters Calls on Congressional Candidates to Clarify Stances on ICE Funding, Noem Impeachment After Minneapolis Killing
