Says he can’t pick which laws to enforce

By Tim Hadac

U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-6th) and several other Democratic members of the state’s Congressional delegation recently sent a letter to DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, expressing concern over his Jan. 13 statement that he will not enforce the Protect Illinois Communities Act (H.B. 5471). The legislation bans the sale and distribution of assault-style weapons, high-capacity magazines, and switches in Illinois.

Sean Casten

The 6^th District includes much of Clearing and Garfield Ridge and nearby southwest suburbs.

“As Sheriff, you do not have the authority to set enforcement priorities based on your personal views of a law’s constitutionality,” the lawmakers wrote. “Moreover, by choosing not to enforce the law, you will put the safety of DuPage residents and law enforcement officers at risk. To that end, we request that you immediately rescind your January 13, 2023, statement and clarify that you will uphold your office’s mission statement, including your duty to ‘enforce the laws of the State of Illinois and the county of DuPage in a fair and impartial manner.’ It is clear that your statement was misguided and erroneous due to the widespread condemnation from DuPage County residents, several county board members, and state legislators.”

Recently, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Protect Illinois Communities Act, subsequently signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker.

In October 2022, the DuPage County Board voted to approve a resolution in support of legislation banning the sale of assault-style weapons.

In a statement, Mendrick fired back, calling the new law poorly written and claiming that Casten and others grossly mischaracterized his position.