South West Illinois News

Ed McLean, chairman of Monroe County Republicans, said that federal officials, with President Trump's approval, launched significant operations on January 26 to remove dangerous illegal migrants. McLean expressed his views to SW Illinois News on February 3.

"Under President Trump, federal authorities are making real progress in removing the dangerous illegal migrants destabilizing Chicago's communities," said McLean. "On January 26, ICE initiated major operations to target and deport these individuals, with full backing from the FBI, DEA, and ATF. This marks a pivotal move toward restoring safety and security across the city. President Trump's administration is proving it will fight relentlessly for a safer Illinois."

According to CNN, the Trump administration conducted a nationwide immigration crackdown on January 26, resulting in 956 arrests and 554 detainers. This operation marked the largest one-day total reported by U.S. 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, targeting public safety and national security threats. White House border czar Tom Homan described the effort as a "gamechanger," emphasizing its focus on criminal aliens. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson clarified that local police were not involved in these operations. CNN also reported that ICE field offices face quotas as enforcement intensifies to meet deportation goals, with operations taking place in Atlanta, Puerto Rico, Colorado, Los Angeles, and Austin.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported comments from Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove regarding the targeted immigration operations in Chicago on January 26. Bove said they would support all levels of government participating in this mission to reclaim communities and would use all available tools to address any obstruction or unlawful impediments to their efforts in protecting the homeland.

McLean was first elected chairman in 2016 and has represented conservative values within the Republican Party. His primary focus is enhancing Monroe County as a community. A retired engineer and business leader, McLean resides with his wife on a small horse farm in rural Monroe County. He is active in civic organizations such as the Mason Shriner Organization and has been a Rotary Club member since 1987.