Sangamon Sun

At a recent press conference, Illinois State Representative Jeff Keicher addressed the rise in hostility toward law enforcement officials. He stated that there has been a noticeable increase in harassment and interference directed at police officers who are performing their duties of enforcing laws and protecting communities.

Keicher referenced incidents involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of this broader trend but emphasized that such challenges for law enforcement have existed before these recent events. "Long before the recent incidents directed at ICE, we’ve seen a growing trend of harassment and interference directed at law enforcement for simply doing their jobs: enforcing our laws and protecting our communities," Keicher said.

He called on political leaders to reduce tension and aggressive rhetoric targeted at police. In response to these concerns, Keicher introduced House Bill 4142, which is designed to offer protection both to law enforcement personnel and bystanders.

Keicher, a Republican, was elected to the Illinois State House in 2018 representing the state's 70th House District after replacing former state representative Robert W. Pritchard.