Peoria Standard

Judge Joe McGraw, a candidate for the 17th Congressional District, has expressed his apprehension and dedication to reinstating order at the southern U.S. border. His concerns stem from the recent discovery of 10 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during a gunfight near the U.S.-Mexico border, which has led to escalated warnings for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents.

“There’s total chaos on our southern border. CBP agents are now being warned to look out for explosive devices after 10 IEDs were discovered last week during a gunfight,” McGraw said on Facebook. “I’m running to defend America by ending this madness, restoring order & cracking down on the cartels.”

Following the seizure of 10 IEDs at the U.S.-Mexico border by the Mexican military, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a warning to its agents, as reported by Fox News. The explosive devices were found in the aftermath of a gunfight near the border. During this incident, Tucson border patrol witnessed gunfire and apprehended an armed individual on the U.S. side. In response to these events, CBP has advised its agents to "exercise extreme caution" and report any armed subjects approaching the border with potential explosive devices. This incident underscores increasing concerns over border safety, with Republicans advocating for heightened measures while Senate negotiations persist regarding border security within a broader aid package.

McGraw, who previously served as a prosecutor, private attorney, and retired Circuit Court judge, officially announced his candidacy for the 17th Congressional District in mid-October. He is set to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.), who achieved a slim victory in 2022. McGraw's campaign heavily emphasizes law-and-order principles; he leverages his substantial judicial experience to address issues pertaining to urban crime and immigration. His policy positions include advocating for the construction of a border wall, endorsing comprehensive immigration reform, and supporting state regulation over federal intervention in abortion-related matters, according to Pantagraph.

The 17th Congressional District encompasses Carroll, Fulton, Henry, Knox, McDonough, Mercer, McLean, Peoria, Rock Island, Stephenson, Tazewell, Warren, Whiteside and Winnebago counties.