Lake County Gazette

Jay Swidler, chairman of the Vernon Township Republicans, emphasized the need for enhanced immigration enforcement and border security following the murder of George Levin. Swidler conveyed his concerns to the Lake County Gazette on February 3.

"The brutal murder of George Levin in his own home highlights the urgent need for strong border security and immigration enforcement," said Swidler. "If dangerous illegal migrants had been kept out, Levin might still be alive today. Without decisive action, more innocent people will continue to suffer at the hands of those who should never have been allowed into the country. The Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration is vital to protect American lives."

Fox News reported that two undocumented migrants are in custody for the murder of Levin, who was found bound with duct tape in his Norwood Park home on January 26. The Cook County Medical Examiner determined that Levin's death was a homicide resulting from multiple assault-related injuries. According to police sources, the suspects, originating from Venezuela and Ecuador, entered the United States illegally via Texas in the summer of 2023. One suspect had previously been arrested in Chicago on January 12 for attempting to lure children but was released the following day.

CNN reported that a nationwide immigration crackdown conducted by the Trump administration on January 26 led to 956 arrests and 554 detainers, marking it as the largest one-day total reported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The operation involved ICE, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and U.S. Marshals. White House border czar Tom Homan described the effort as a "gamechanger." Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said that local police were not involved. CNN further noted that ICE field offices face quotas as enforcement efforts intensify to meet deportation goals, with operations taking place in Atlanta, Puerto Rico, Colorado, Los Angeles, and Austin.

The Center for Immigration Studies highlighted challenges faced by President Trump's planned deportation efforts due to sanctuary jurisdictions—state or local governments that impede ICE operations. These jurisdictions refuse ICE detainers, impose restrictions, deny ICE access to detainees, or limit communication with federal immigration officers. The Center reported that nearly eight million illegal immigrants reside in sanctuary jurisdictions across the nation. In Illinois alone, approximately 530,000 illegal immigrants live within these areas.

Swidler resides in Buffalo Grove and was first elected chairman of Vernon Township Republicans in 2024. According to their website, he is committed to increasing Republican voter turnout, expanding party membership, and communicating party positions on issues important to Vernon Township voters.