Will County Gazette

Will County Board Member Steve Balich is calling for federal action against violent anti-ICE protesters and sanctuary city policies, warning that lawlessness is spreading under the guise of political activism. 

“I pray President Trump locks up any protester that damages property of any kind,” Balich told Will County Gazette. “Hopefully the military come here and wherever these protests are to prevent another summer of love, or should I say, violence and destruction by paid protesters.” 

Balich’s comments follow a June 10 anti-ICE protest in downtown Chicago that escalated into a riot. 

Protesters vandalized police cars, federal buildings and public monuments as well as defaced a Tesla with swastikas and assaulted multiple police officers. 

Seventeen people were arrested.  

Meanwhile, attention is turning to the funding behind these movements. 

Neville “Roy” Singham, a former Chicago tech entrepreneur with deep ties to communist ideology and the Chinese Communist Party, is reported to be a key financial backer. Singham’s People’s Forum funds the Party for Socialism and Liberation, which provided materials for recent protests. 

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has called on the Justice Department to investigate Singham and his wife, Code Pink founder Jodie Evans, for potentially acting as unregistered foreign agents.

Expressing deep frustration with the growing unrest and lack of law enforcement, Balich emphasized the need for swift and decisive action against both illegal immigration and protest-related violence.

“The Radical left does not understand the people want these violent criminal illegals sent back where they came from as soon as possible,” Balich said. “If there are no consequences like arrest and deportation things will just get worse. Break a window and you must pay for the damage.” 

Governor JB Pritzker’s administration spent $638 million in taxpayer funds on Chicago’s migrant crisis.

Critics argue the money, including a $160 million plan for shelter and job assistance, diverts essential resources away from vulnerable Illinois residents.

Meanwhile, polling shows Mayor Brandon Johnson with only a 6% approval rating amid frustration over crime, spending and public safety.

“Americans are sick of elected officials voting to spend tax dollars on the Sex Life of Ants Foundation, which really gives millions to Democrat elected officials and operatives,” Balich said. “Americans are sick of giving everything free to illegals—from food to housing and free medical—while the working citizen has to pay for everything they need.”

Balich also criticized Democratic leadership at both the state and federal levels, accusing them of prioritizing illegal immigrants over law-abiding citizens.

“The Blue States see all these illegals as potential voters and lie, cheat, and steal to protect these people,” Balich said. “It’s a shame they care more about the immigrants’ rights than the hard-working citizen. There is a point when the Federal Government needs to stop all federal funding to any state that violates federal law.”

Balich warned that the consequences of unchecked immigration and sanctuary policies won’t just strain local resources—they could provoke a broader national reckoning.

“[Democrats] want the states that are fiscally responsible to pay for their overspending and corruption. Remember, the Federal government under Trump will not tolerate states protecting illegals and will eventually put those governors in jail,” Balich said.

Images from the June 10 anti-ICE protest in Chicago. (Terry Newsome)