Chicago is struggling with crime – and a new decision by the Illinois Supreme Court will dramatically increase it.
Already one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate 164% above the national average and a murder rate that is more than quadruple the national average, in certain areas of the city, Chicago’s crime statistics are even worse. Maybe that’s why the city is known as the murder capital of America.
Due to a recent decision by the state’s Supreme Court, Illinois is about to become the first state in the country to completely eliminate cash bail. Some are calling this “America’s most dangerous” law. Our America’s National Director Gabe Nadales wrote about the issue for The Hill, including some startling statistics.
“New York City recently eliminated cash bail in a more limited manner. After the bail reform was implemented, more than 72% of those arrested with violent felony arrests were rearrested — a 10 percentage point increase in reoffending.”
He continued, “In Yolo County, California, the district attorney found that of 595 people released under their zero-bail policies in 2022, 420 were rearrested. In other words, more than 70% of those who benefited from no cash bail used their newfound freedom to commit more crimes.”
This puts criminals ahead of victims – many of whom are minorities. “Higher crime has a disproportionately damaging effect on minority communities and neighborhoods. Studies show that higher crime disproportionately harms non-white youth. Illinois’s adoption of zero-cash bail will thus be especially hard on the state’s 40% minority population. This is ironic for a policy that was developed and supposedly adopted in the name of “equity” and “anti-racism.”
Already, victims are hesitant to come forward due to too much intimidation and not enough support. The last thing we need is to create an environment in which there are even more victims. As Nadales says, “It would be foolish to ignore the rights of the accused. But as with everything, there is a balance to be struck.”
Let’s stand for common sense – and stand with victims.
