DeKalb Times

Illinois' 14th Congressional District candidate James Marter reacted to a comparison of himself and his opponent Lauren Underwood on immigration, saying, "They let in Cartels, Gangs, and many dangerous illegals who have wreaked havoc on American Cities and Citizens." He made the statement in a July 30 Facebook post.

"Lauren Underwood has voted to FUND the Invasion of Illegal Immigration and stood by the BIDEN / HARRIS administration 100% with their OPEN BORDERs policy," said Marter, according to Facebook. "They let in Cartels, Gangs, and many dangerous illegals who have wreaked havoc on American Cities and Citizens. Horrific murders and sexual assaults' have occurred because of the BIDEN/HARRIS policies! As well as deaths of thousands of Illinoisians involving fentanyl and other dangerous drugs!"

Marter’s Facebook post included a screenshot from NumbersUSA comparing himself and his competition, US Representative Lauren Underwood (D), showing a grade of F for Underwood and an A for Marter. His statement continued in his Facebook post.

Screenhot of James Marter's July 30 Facebook post | Marter for Congress Facebook page

"This is the single most DANGEROUS policy affecting you and your loved ones, time to END this DANGEROUS BIDEN/HARRIS administration policy, and FIRE UNDERWOOD! I will, on day one, VOTE to STOP the INVASION, SECURE the BORDER, and DEPORT Criminal Illegal Aliens!"

According to NumbersUSA's Immigration Grade Card for Rep. Lauren Underwood, she received an F- overall. The same grade was given for reducing the visa lottery, reducing unnecessary worker visas, refugees and asylees, reduction of amnesty enticements, strengthening border security, and interior enforcement. It has no marks for ending birthright citizenship, reducing illegal immigration rewards, or leadership.

NumbersUSA is a nonprofit founded in 1996 by Roy Beck. It is a nonpartisan organization focused on better immigration policy. The organization claims to be America’s largest single-issue advocacy group focused exclusively on immigration reform. It states it has more than 8 million supporters in every congressional district to impact immigration policy with information, tools, access, and influence. It is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

Marter is a lifelong Illinois resident; he was born in Peoria County and has lived in Illinois’ 14th Congressional District for 24 years. According to his biography on his campaign website, he has raised his family there. Since 2015, he has been active in local politics and is currently the chair of the Kendall County Republicans—a position he has been elected to three times. He is also a Trustee in the Oswego Library District and a deputy on the GOP State Central Committee for the 14th Congressional District. He has a 35-year career in information technology, project management, and business process implementation.