You may view all three video recordings associated with the MCGOP Border Security Symposium held March 22, 2024.

Part 1: Welcome to McLean County Republicans' Border Security Symposium held March 22, 2024. Words of welcome given by MCGOP Chair Dennis Grundler, the Pledge of Allegiance led by State Senator Tom Bennett, and invocation given by David Paul Blumenshine. (9 minutes)

Part 2: Initial comments about the impact of illegal immigration on our communities and the state of Illinois. Illinois State Representative Dan Caulkins and Illinois State Senator Sally Turner speak on various aspects of this topic. (16 minutes)

Part 3: Introduction of keynote speaker by US Congressman Darin LaHood (R-Peoria). The keynote address was given by Mr. Tom Homan, former acting director of ICE during the Trump administration. (55 minutes)

To view the three videos, go to the following link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOP26fQGIakXuAEBVrrN69TPSqUL_sEqv

(Bloomington, March 22, 2024) Over 100 concerned citizens attended a spell-binding Border Security Symposium on Friday evening to hear from Mr. Tom Homan, a government official who served during the Trump Administration as Acting Director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Speakers included U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood, State Sen. Sally Turner, and State Rep. Dan Caulkins. Sheriff Matt Lane, Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe, and numerous other elected officials were in the audience. (Click on the title above to continue reading if necessary.)

Illegal immigration poses many threats to our community, ranging from economic strains to safety concerns. Economically, the presence of undocumented aliens can depress wages and job opportunities for residents. Additionally, it burdens public resources such as healthcare and education, leading to strains on social services. From a safety standpoint, porous borders facilitate the entry of criminals, drugs, and even potential terrorists, posing significant challenges for law enforcement and homeland security agencies.

Bloomington, Illinois (March 9, 2024) – Mr. Jesse Sullivan, 2022 Illinois gubernatorial candidate from Petersburg, Illinois, spoke enthusiastically to people of faith over a McLean County Republicans-sponsored breakfast on March 9, 2024. He addressed two questions during his delivery, "Can people of faith have an impact in the world of politics?" and "Should they?" Mr. Sullivan's response to each question was a resounding yes! (Click on the title above to continue reading if necessary.)

Being a Precinct Committeeman (or committeeperson, PC) is a delightful journey filled with camaraderie, purpose, and the joy of positively impacting my community. From the moment I decided to take on this role, I knew it would be an adventure worth embarking on. (Click on the title above to continue reading if necessary.)

As Communications Manager for McLean County Republicans (MCGOP), I write a lot of “copy” for this organization. I manage posts on the MCGOP Facebook page, provide commentary on the news, produce articles for the MCGOP Newsdesk, maintain the MCGOP website, compose press releases, write email messages, cobble together the monthly newsletter, and produce a weekly op-ed such as the one you are now reading. As the primary writer and manager of so much content, I often get flak from outsiders about what Republicans are perceived as doing or not doing, both locally and nationally. I get hit from every angle, from supposed supporters to well-known detractors. (Click on the above title to continue reading if necessary.)

Jesse Sullivan, a 2022 gubernatorial candidate, spoke to people of faith over breakfast on March 9, 2024.

(See the 48-minute presentation at https://youtu.be/xcKCfbpzLLw.)

In the heart of Illinois, where amber waves of grain stretch as far as the eye can see and the winds carry whispers of history, there stood a man with a vision as vast as the prairie itself. His name was Jesse Sullivan, a 2022 gubernatorial candidate whose roots ran deep into the rich soil of faith and conviction.

Born and raised in the small, rural town of Petersburg, Jesse's journey was not one of privilege or entitlement. Instead, he grew up on a farm. His life was forged in the crucible of hard work, perseverance, and unwavering faith. From a young age, he learned the value of integrity and the power of service, guided by the teachings of his faith and the examples set by his family. (Click on the title above to continue reading.)

I get tired of seeing claims by the mainstream media that conservatives have gone rogue. That is, they are becoming increasingly outspoken and are radicalizing the Republican party. The progressive media claim as evidence for this conservatives standing behind former President Trump, resisting gun control, opposing abortion, immigration, the LGBTQIA+ agenda, and whatever else is popular with the elites! The latest claim is that conservative Republicans are “Christian Nationalists.” (Click on the title above to continue reading if necessary.)

Illegal immigration is one of the most divisive and morally vexing issues in America today. During the administration of President Trump, the flood of supposed refugees from south of the border was reduced to a mere trickle by “the wall,” a “Wait in Mexico” border policy, and strict law enforcement by the border patrol. Now, with progressive Democrats hellbent on winning elections at any cost, some eight to eleven million illegal aliens have flooded into our country during the Biden administration. We were a nation at risk, but now we are a nation in crisis. We are facing threats of unparalleled proportions. (Click on the title above to continue reading if necessary.)

February 28, 2024, 2:30 PM

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Border Security Symposium to Address National Security, Public Safety, and Economic Impact

[Bloomington] – An upcoming Border Security Symposium, slated for Friday, March 22, is set to convene experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to delve into critical issues surrounding national security, public safety, and the economy. (Click on the above title to continue reading if necessary.)