South West Illinois News

Ed McLean, Chairman of Monroe County Republicans, said that the Supreme Court's ruling in Noem v. Doe concludes unlawful parole programs, aligning with President Trump's initiatives to restore law, order, and border security. McLean made this statement to SW Illinois News.

"The Supreme Court's ruling in Noem v. Doe reaffirms the constitutional limits on executive power regarding immigration," said McLean. "The Biden administration's parole programs were an unlawful shortcut that invited disorder and abuse. By siding with lawful enforcement, the Court is upholding justice and national sovereignty. This decision marks a turning point in restoring faith in our borders and the rule of law."

In an order released on May 30, 2025, the Supreme Court announced that "the April 15, 2025 order entered by the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, case No. 1:25–cv–10495, is stayed pending the disposition of the appeal in the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and disposition of a petition for a writ of certiorari, if such a writ is timely sought." The court further noted that "should certiorari be denied, this stay shall terminate automatically. In the event certiorari is granted, the stay shall terminate upon the sending down of the judgment of this Court."

According to Politico, the Supreme Court has permitted the Trump administration to resume deporting approximately 500,000 immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who entered under Biden’s "humanitarian parole" programs. The court's brief order lifted a lower court ruling that had blocked the program’s cancellation. Immigrants now face loss of work permits and possible deportation; however, many may seek asylum. Justices Sotomayor and Jackson dissented due to concerns about potential suffering. The Biden administration initiated these programs between 2022 and 2023. President Trump criticized this policy in 2024 and pledged to end migrant flights if re-elected.

The Heritage Foundation reported that since President Biden took office, over 6.2 million illegal immigrants have been encountered at U.S. borders, with two million released into the U.S. Thousands had prior criminal convictions including assault and murder; over 1.5 million "gotaways" remain untracked. A Department of Justice report from 2021 found that 64% of federal arrests in 2018 involved noncitizens despite them comprising just seven percent of the population. Tragic incidents and rising immigrant deaths—such as 850 fatalities in 2022—highlight safety issues exacerbated by lenient border policies and sanctuary cities hindering criminal deportations.

McLean was first elected Chairman in 2016 and has represented conservative values within Monroe County Republicans since then. His primary focus remains on strengthening Monroe County as a community. McLean is a retired engineer and business leader who resides with his wife on a small horse farm in rural Monroe County. He actively participates in civic organizations as a long-standing member of both Mason Shriner Organization and Rotary Club.